Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont Employees Take Action for a Healthier Vermont
Over 300 Employees Volunteered for Blue Cross VT’s Employee Day of Service at Food Banks, Farms and Community Organizations to Address Food Security During Hunger Action Month
Berlin, VT — Two in five Vermonters are food insecure, an issue that directly impacts healthy communities. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (Blue Cross VT) took action on September 17, closing the office so over 300 employees could volunteer at nearly 20 charitable food organizations across the state. Employees spent time picking and cleaning produce, sorting and packaging food, as well as preparing and delivering meals to Vermonters.
“Nothing says more about taking on an issue than putting on your boots and getting your hands dirty,” said Beth Roberts, President and CEO of Blue Cross VT. “We know many Vermonters struggle to afford basic needs like food and healthcare. At Blue Cross VT we’re committed to delivering better affordability and supporting healthy communities. I’m proud of how our employees work together in the office – and out in the community – to make that happen.”
The Blue Cross VT Day of Service reflects the core of the organization: Vermonters serving Vermonters. Every day, employees work to improve the lives of members through valuable health plan, supportive benefits, local customer service, and solution-focused advocacy. The Day of Service is another way for Blue Cross VT to show up, be fully present, and contribute to critical needs of the community beyond day-to-day work.
Blue Cross VT employees volunteered at organizations that support the food chain from farm to table, including the Intervale Center, Vermont Foodbank, Community Harvest of Central Vermont, Feed Every Need, Neighbors in Action, Meals on Wheels, Vermont Farmers Food Center, Lasagna Love, Feeding Champlain Valley, and other food shelves and community organizations throughout the state.
“Blue Cross VT is sending a strong message today to our neighbors who are facing the emergency of food insecurity: you matter. Your wellbeing matters,” said John Sayles, CEO of Vermont Foodbank. “Every person deserves access to nourishing food, and there is enough to go around. By showing up today to lend a hand on farms and food shelves, Blue Cross VT employees are ensuring food in Vermont gets to every neighbor’s table.”
“Food access is a community effort. At the Intervale Center, farmers, gleaning volunteers, our volunteer-powered farm, and community partners all play a role in getting fresh, locally grown food to our neighbors. We’re grateful to businesses like Blue Cross VT for showing up alongside us and helping make this work possible,” said Travis Marcotte, Intervale Center Executive Director.
For more information about Blue Cross VT community programs, visit https://www.bluecrossvt.org/health-community.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is a local, not-for-profit health plan. For over 40 years, the company has been enhancing the health and well-being of the Vermonters we serve by offering innovative plans to individuals, older Vermonters, and businesses. Our employees are dedicated to developing new ways to support high-quality care, programs and events that promote wellness. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is a licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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