ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 7, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fidelis Care, a Statewide health plan with more than 1.5 million members, announced today a partnership with WRGB-TV to help combat childhood hunger through a month-long fundraising event to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY. During September, local residents, organizations, and businesses are invited to become Backpack Heroes by making a monetary donation to The Regional Food Bank's Backpack Program, which helps alleviate childhood hunger by discreetly providing children in need with backpacks full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food on Friday afternoons so they have food to eat throughout the weekend.
"Childhood hunger is a significant issue that needs to be addressed," said Fidelis Care's Chief Marketing Officer Pamela Hassen. "We are grateful to be part of this important initiative and to work with community partners who are helping to raise awareness in the fight against weekend hunger. We know how important it is for students to have proper nutrition so they can succeed in school and are confident that the Capital Region will come together to help their neighbors, local families, and children who are most in need."
Each Wednesday in September, CBS 6 will broadcast live from various locations around the Capital Region raising awareness about the "hunger gap" that plagues many children in the community. Residents and local organizations are being asked to donate whatever amount they can to help support the Backpack Program. The cost of supporting one child for an entire school year is $183.
"We are excited to be part of this campaign and thank Fidelis Care and CBS 6 for their support," said The Regional Food Bank's Executive Director Mark Quandt. "It will raise awareness about childhood hunger and the efforts many in our communities are making through the Backpack Program to ensure children in need are properly nourished. Hopefully, it will also raise a lot of money to help the Regional Food Bank sustain and expand the BackPack Program."
Fidelis Care enthusiastically partnered with the Regional Food Bank earlier this year when they brought the first ever Backpack Program to the Troy School District at Carroll Hill Elementary School. The program, which runs through December, serves 15 students by providing a backpack full of food each Friday.
For more information on Backpack Heroes, or to make a donation, visit www.cbs6albany.com and look for Backpack Heroes under the community tab.
About Fidelis Care:
As a faith-based, mission-driven health plan, Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life, including products available through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace. With more than 1.5 million members Statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.
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