Fallon Health donates $250,000 to combat hunger 

Funds earmarked for holiday meal programs impacted by COVID-19

Worcester, Mass., November 20, 2020—Fallon Health, a mission-focused, community-based not-for-profit health care services organization, today announced an additional $250,000 in community giving to support community partners across its service area as they work to help maintain food assistance programs for areas or populations that are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. With these recent donations, Fallon has more than doubled donations to benefit food security initiatives in 2020 over previous years. 

The following organizations are receiving funding:  

According to Feeding America, more than 50 million people nation-wide may experience food insecurity this year because of COVID-19. In Massachusetts, the organization’s coronavirus hunger research shows the projected food insecurity rates have grown from 4 to 10 percent in 2018 to 11 to 17 percent  in 2020 due to the pandemic. 

“Over the past few months, we have seen the current health care crisis impact the lives of many of our friends, families and neighbors, many of whom are facing food insecurity for the first time. Our partners play a vital role in helping people of all ages, income levels and health statuses to achieve their health goals. We’re proud to work with so many wonderful organizations to extend that reach this holiday season and help us fulfill our mission of making our communities healthy,” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health. 

“As we prepare for Thanksgiving, too many families are struggling to put food on the table. COVID-19 has caused economic distress and increased hunger across the country on a scale not seen in decades. The need for additional food assistance is dire,” said U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern. “We’re all in this together, and we all have a role in making sure that everyone has access to a healthy meal this holiday season. I’m so grateful to Fallon Health for stepping up to address this national crisis at the local level. These funds will go a long way, especially as food banks and other partners struggle to keep up with demand during this difficult time.”

After hearing from many individuals in its workforce who were looking for additional ways to give back, Fallon also kicked off its annual ‘Feed a Family’ campaign this week. Now through December 11, the organization’s 1,200 employees will fill bags of food with a goal of providing holiday meals to an additional 350 families across its service area. Fallon will supplement these with 350 gift cards to local grocery stores and supermarkets to help purchase perishable items.