Fallon Health, Worcester Red Sox Team Up to ‘Strike Out Hunger’
Worcester, Mass., May 17, 2021—Fallon Health, a community-based, not-for-profit health care services organization, and the Worcester Red Sox today announced new details surrounding the ‘Strike Out Hunger’ campaign. Building on their shared commitment to fighting hunger in the community, the initiative is aimed at helping individuals and families across the region who are dealing with food insecurity.
As sponsor of this important initiative, Fallon will contribute $50 to the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) every time a WooSox pitcher strikes out a member of the visiting ballclub at Polar Park. The organization has made a guaranteed season commitment of $50,000 to the Strike Out Hunger campaign. For every dollar donated, the WCFB is able to distribute $4 worth of donated food.
“At Fallon Health, combatting food insecurity—which directly impacts the health and well-being of our members and the diverse communities we serve— has long been a key focus
area,” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health. “In support of our mission, Fallon is proud to partner with the Worcester Red Sox to raise awareness, feed more people and support wonderful community partners like the Worcester County Food Bank who work tirelessly to combat hunger.”
“We have long said that Polar Park would be more than a ballpark, and we are reminded today that the WooSox will be more than a ballclub,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox. “The opportunity to partner with Fallon Health and the Worcester County Food Bank to feed those in need is one of the most fulfilling parts of community baseball. It’s a privilege to use our National Pastime to help the hungry; it is a profound issue that Worcester’s leaders recognize and are addressing. We thank Fallon Health for their continued commitment to the community; we are proud to be their partner.”
“It is wonderful to have Fallon Health step up to the plate in this way,” said Jean McMurray, Chief Executive Officer of the Worcester County Food Bank. “As we continue to deliver on our mission, I am so grateful to our long-time community partner for finding a new, creative way to help us be a consistent, stable source of food across Worcester County.” “The ‘Strike Out Hunger’ initiative provides a large stage to bring attention to the problem of hunger in our communities,” said U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern. “Each of us has a role in making sure that our neighbors, friends and family members have access to healthy, nutritious food. I’m grateful to Fallon Health for stepping up to address this national issue at the local level. These funds will go a long way.”
Feeding America estimates that 1 in 8 people may experience food insecurity in 2021. Additionally, the organization notes in its March 2021 findings that many who have been most impacted by the pandemic were food insecure or at risk of food insecurity before COVID-19 and are facing greater hardship since COVID-19.
In 2020, Fallon Health provided $500,000 in hunger relief donations, rapid response grants, contributions to the Worcester Together Fund and Community Benefits grants to local organizations to help with COVID-19 recovery efforts. Food insecurity remains a funding priority for Fallon in 2021 as well.
Christine Cassidy
Chief Communications Officer, Fallon Health
508-368-9502
About Fallon Health
Founded in 1977, Fallon Health is a leading health care services organization that supports the diverse and changing needs of those we serve. In addition to offering innovative health insurance solutions and a variety of Medicaid and Medicare products, we excel in creating unique health care programs and services that provide coordinated, integrated care for seniors and individuals with complex health needs. Fallon has consistently been rated among the nation’s top health plans by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products.