Fidelis Care Presents Cornell Cooperative Extension Wayne County with $50,000 Food Insecurity Grant
2/14/2024
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Posted by Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care presented a $50,000 grant to support Cornell Cooperative Extension Wayne County’s programs to combat regional food insecurity. The grant is part of $315,000 in donations by Fidelis Care to nonprofit organizations on the front lines of fighting hunger across New York State. Food insecurity impacts about one in 10 New York households.
“Fidelis Care is committed to promoting health and well-being in our local communities and that begins with ensuring access to nutritious foods for individuals and families,” said Jennifer Lyons, Fidelis Care Sales and Marketing Director. “Nonprofit organizations that provide food assistance throughout the state have received these grants to strengthen initiatives, including increasing food distribution, expanding food pantry services, and reducing food insecurity within communities. Cornell Cooperative Extension does a remarkable job enhancing the lives of individuals and communities through collaborative partnerships.”
Cornell Cooperative Extension improves the community’s health, nutrition, and safety by educating people and agricultural businesses. The Fidelis Care grant will support its SNAP-Ed New York Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program, which boosts existing SNAP benefits to increase an individual’s purchasing power with partnering local grocery stores and farm markets.
“This Fidelis Care grant has provided enough funding to enroll more than 550 individuals and families in in our fruit and vegetable prescription program,” said Maggie McHugh, Cornell Cooperative Extension SNAP-ED New York Regional Manager. “We also provide nutrition education that teaches the skills necessary to shop, prep, and cook low-cost nutritious meals. With this support from Fidelis Care, those we serve can expand their food budget and try new recipes that include fresh fruits and vegetables. The funding goes a long way in addressing food insecurity and chronic disease.”
Fidelis Care takes pride in supporting the vital work of Cornell Cooperative Extension and the other food insecurity grant recipients across New York State because no one should suffer from hunger. Click here to see the full list of Fidelis Care food insecurity grant recipient organizations.