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Food Insecurity,COVID-19 andthe CommunityRebecca PittilloAssociate Executive Director,Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier ArkansasNational Institute of Health Care Management WebinarMay 11, 20201
Food insecurity in ArkansasOn a good day§ 1 in 5 Arkansans struggle with hunger§ Ranked 1st nationally in “very low foodsecurity,” at 8.1%§ Rank 2nd nationally in the number of peoplefacing food insecurity; 19.7%§ Rank 6th nationally in senior hungerFood Insecurity, COVID-19 and the CommunityNational Institute of Health Care Management Webinar2
Food insecurity supportCommitted to the cause§ Historically committed to Arkansans§ Recognizing social determinants§ 70th anniversary milestone in meals boost§ Nearing 2 million meals when coronavirusreached our state3
Foundation funding for foodFor a Healthier Arkansas§ 242 grants to fight food insecurity§ 2.4 M over 19 years§ Food pantries, gardening, cooking andshopping educational programs, backpackprograms for schools and afterschoolprograms, summer nutrition for childrenand daily lunch/soup kitchensFood Insecurity, COVID-19 and the CommunityNational Institute of Health Care Management Webinar4
COVID crashes inConcern, need increasesin the Natural State§ Social distancing creates concern foraccess, availability of food for food bankpatrons§ Volunteers dwindle slightly due to scare;new processes are required via CDCFood Insecurity, COVID-19 and the CommunityNational Institute of Health Care Management Webinar5
COVID crashes inUrgent need,urgent response§ Assessing community needs– Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance – supports 6 Feeding Americapartner food banks statewide – all aspects affected; staffingissues also surface– Arkansas Foodbank – the largest of the 6 hubs (33 counties);feels effect almost immediately– The Pack Shack – an independent, local food source hub beginssees new needs arise§ Closing the gaps6
COVID crashes inUrgent need,urgent response§ Immediate donations§ Major hubs§ 17 United Ways with more than 120partner agenciesFood Insecurity, COVID-19 and the CommunityNational Institute of Health Care Management Webinar7
Mission modifiedRapid ResponseCOVID-19 Relief Fund§ Urgent focus§ Grant reality§ Grant applicant growthFood Insecurity, COVID-19 and the CommunityNational Institute of Health Care Management Webinar8
Health front settles slightlyEconomic and socialimpact emerging§ Update from major hubs– Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance– Arkansas Foodbank– The Pack Shack§ Statewide short-term impact§ Long-term issuesFood Insecurity, COVID-19 and the CommunityNational Institute of Health Care Management Webinar9
A new normal in the Natural StateEvaluating needsand next steps§ Reopening of the state –phase one§ Bracing for round 2Food Insecurity, COVID-19 and the CommunityNational Institute of Health Care Management Webinar10
Mission criticalStaying the course§ Ongoing support by Arkansas BlueCross as an organization– Charitable giving– Food drives– Employee effortsFood Insecurity, COVID-19 and the CommunityNational Institute of Health Care Management Webinar11
Thank you!rapittillo@arkbluecross.com12
– Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance – supports 6 Feeding America partner food banks statewide – all aspects affected; staffing issues also surface – Arkansas Foodbank – the largest of the 6 hubs (33 counties); feels effect almost immediately – The Pack Shack – an indep
