2024 Fidelis Care ‘Veggies to Go’ Program Impacts Food Insecurity Across New York
The Fidelis Care ‘Veggies to Go’ program distributed 1,895 bags of healthy food to individuals and families in need during its 2024 season. That adds up to a total nearly 80,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables given away since the program began in 2022. Veggies to Go addresses nutrition and food insecurity in urban and rural communities across New York State.
“Nutrition is healthcare,” said Fidelis Care Sales and Marketing Director Shannon Lombardo. “We know that one bag of fresh fruits and vegetables is not going to solve a family’s food insecurity. But the Fidelis Care Veggies to Go program is a great way to connect people with resources and agencies that can help address their longer term needs.”
Fidelis Care sourced food from local farmers and distributors for the 16 Veggies to Go events statewide. The events also featured information on health insurance and healthy eating including Fidelis Care’s ‘Lunchology’ recipe sheets.
“Veggies to Go is a chance to introduce nutritious snacks to families and children to help them realize how fun, easy, and delicious making healthy choices can be,” said Fidelis Care Sales and Marketing Director Jennifer Lyons. “Veggies to Go emphasizes the importance of preventive care through wholesome food.”
Fidelis Care collaborated with several community partners to pack Veggies to Go bags and host the events, including Compassionate Family Medicine in Syracuse, the Brockport Area Veterans Club, Cornerstone Family Healthcare in Port Jervis, Community Action Partnership of Dutchess County, Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency in Clifton Springs, and several grocery stores, recreation centers, and churches.
Watertown’s Mercy Point Church Pastor Jeremy Kriegbaum said, “The state of food insecurity in the North Country is desperate. Sometimes people don’t even know what is available to help them. We love helping our community, and Fidelis Care has been a huge asset to us in that endeavor.”
The Fidelis Care team is working on plans for 2025 Veggies to Go events. Check the Fidelis Care events calendar in the spring.