The meals will be delivered to people who live with an income below 200% of the poverty line.
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The Foodbank is quickly working to purchase and prepare food boxes with the goal of distributing boxes directly to seniors, prior to any confirmed local cases, thereby reducing the possibility of unknowingly spreading the virus.
“CareSource has been a long-time supporter of The Foodbank, Inc. and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership. When this urgent need came up, they were the first corporate partner that came to mind and within 24 hours they said yes to our request in order to make sure the Dayton community is prepared,” said Michelle Riley, chief executive officer, The Foodbank.
Nearly 1 in 6 seniors in America face the threat of hunger. Locally, in the month of February, The Foodbank served 1,107 senior clients through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program in Montgomery and Greene counties. These same seniors are most at risk for fatalities related to the COVID-19 virus. CareSource, much like The Foodbank is committed to making a lasting difference in the life of its members by improving their health and well-being.
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“These are unprecedented times in our communities as we work to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Seniors are particularly at risk, so this innovative program will help protect this vulnerable population who may not be in a position to leave their homes at this time,” said Stephen Ringel, Ohio Market President, CareSource. “At CareSource we know that access to health care is just one piece of the puzzle for healthy living. That is why we continue to invest and innovate in social determinants of health, including access to food.”
Older Americans are at risk for a variety of chronic health conditions. Nutritious food, supplied through these supplemental emergency food boxes, is critical during this period of potential exposure and isolation, according to CareSource.
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