Family Service Society is partnering with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky to provide nutritious food to families through the “Fresh Fridge” program. The initiative grants new refrigeration units to community organizations that distribute large amounts of perishable food to those in need.
One in eight Kentucky adults experiences hunger daily and one in six Kentucky children goes without food, according to Feeding America.
Last December, Anthem Medicaid pledged $15,000 to establish five new “Fresh Fridge” locations across Kentucky. In addition to Paducah’s Family Service Society, Anthem Medicaid has partnered with Ken-Tenn Foodbank in Fulton, among others.
“The ‘Fresh Fridge’ program has proved to be a vital asset for many of the community-based organizations we work alongside,” said Leon Lamoreaux, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky. “Food insecurity has significant detrimental effects on health, especially in children, and can leave devastating, long-lasting impacts. This program continues to fulfill our commitment to creating solutions that benefit a person’s whole health.”
The “Fresh Fridge” program is part of Anthem Medicaid’s ongoing efforts to holistically address the various social determinants of health for Kentuckians. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthem Medicaid has donated more than $2.2 million to reduce food insecurity throughout the state.
“Our new partnership with Anthem Medicaid brings healthy food access to our Paducah neighbors who need it most,” said Katie Howard, Director of Business Development of Family Service Society. “The ‘Fresh Fridge’ program allows us to further our mission, by storing, distributing, and serving more of our community.”
