CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WTVF) — As concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continue to rise, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation is donating $3.25 million to multiple food banks across the state.
The BlueCross Foundation hopes the financial gift will help the food banks meet the needs of their respective communities. The foundation adds food banks can often purchase supplies at a lower cost than individuals, allowing them to provide as many as four meals for each dollar they receive in many cases.
"Every day, families county on local food banks for help - and that's especially true now," said JD Hickey, chairman of the BlueCross Foundation. "Tennesseans can get through these challenging times by coming together, and we're expanding our support for food banks statewide as another way to bring peace of mind to our neighbors."
Food relief funds will be distributed to the following organizations:
- Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville ($750,000)
- Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis ($750,000)
- Chattanooga Area Food Bank ($500,000)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee in Knoxville ($500,000)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee in Tri-Cities ($500,000)
- Regional Inter-Faith Association in Jackson ($250,000)
Members of the community who want to help can find and donate to their local food bank by visiting the Feeding America website.
