The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has been generous to Tennesseans with its gifts of about $5 million in 2020 to our state's food banks. The bulk of these donations was made in the spring at a very critical time when many Tennesseans lost jobs and were struggling to feed their families.
Food banks like the local Chattanooga Area Food Bank cover specific areas of the state and adjoining counties and serve as a source of groceries for individual community food pantries, such as those operating in Brainerd, Red Bank, East Ridge and other areas. These local food pantries are supported and maintained by neighborhood businesses, churches, synagogues and civic organizations.
"The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is grateful for the extraordinary support of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation," says Melissa Blevins, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. "This additional investment enables us to remain on the front lines of hunger relief. Together, we are providing an additional 1 million meals and giving hope to those who need us most."
Robert Giles Jr.