With nearly 45,000 people facing food insecurity in Dawson, Lumpkin, Union, Forsyth and Hall counties, CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization serving more than 430,000 Georgians, recently donated $30,000 to the Gainesville-based Georgia Mountain Food Bank (GMFB). This contribution aims to improve health outcomes by increasing access to healthy food, according to CareSource.
A portion of the donation will fund a mobile distribution event later this year to bring food directly to those in need. The remaining funds will support GMFB’s Project Preserve to ensure a steady supply of essentials are available for families facing hunger.
“Food insecurity is a pressing challenge, particularly in rural communities where access to grocery stores is often scarce,” said Jason Bearden, CareSource Georgia, market president. “At CareSource, we believe that good health begins with meeting the most basic needs. We’re proud and grateful to partner with the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, working together to help ensure that families across North Georgia have the resources they need to thrive.”
Hunger remains a significant challenge across Georgia. One in eight Georgians struggles with hunger, and 18.4% of children in Georgia are food insecure. In rural areas, these numbers can be even higher due to lack of access to grocery stores and economic challenges. Additionally, food insecurity is linked to chronic health conditions including diabetes and hypertension, making access to reliable, healthy food even more critical.
“Far too many families in our community face difficult choices between food, housing and health care,” said Rebecca Thurman GMFB Executive Director. “This donation from CareSource allows us to expand our reach and provide for those who need it the most. Through initiatives like mobile food distributions, we can ensure that families don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and other basic needs.”
GMFB works at bridging the gap for families by distributing food through 65 partner agencies, school pantries and direct community programs.
The organization relies on community support to fight hunger. Those interested in donating funds, food or volunteering can visit: https://www.gamountainfoodbank.org/how-you-can-help/.
About CareSource Georgia
CareSource is a nonprofit, managed care organization making health care accessible to 430,000 Georgians. The organization offers comprehensive health insurance plans including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare to improve its members’ health and well-being. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address social determinants of health, prevention and access to care.
For more, visit us at www.caresource.com/ga/plans/, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.