America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia recently received a check from Aetna in the amount of $30,000 to support our Mobile Food Pantry program initiatives.  CVS Aetna believes in charitable giving to promote health and wellness and we are fortunate to be one of the community partners they chose for the donation.

The generosity of Aetna will benefit our Mobile Food Pantry program that reaches all 21 counties we serve.  The Mobile Food Pantry was created in 2007 as a way to get healthy, nutritious food to the more rural areas of Coastal Georgia.  Since the covid-19 pandemic and health crisis developed in 2020, we have been utilizing the mobile food pantry means of distribution in both rural and urban areas due to the ease and effectiveness of the program.  Several days each week our rig takes out prepacked boxes of non-perishable food items as well as fresh produce, dairy, and frozen protein for partner agencies and volunteers to hand out.

In 2022 we hosted 272 mobile food pantries and provided 4.5 million pounds of food to our neighbors and communities in need.  The food serves to supplement and provide meals for families, seniors, and those at risk for hunger. Access to nutritious food is so important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  The Mobile Food Pantry program targets areas that are considered food deserts or have a lack of resources available or residents that need assistance procuring nutritious food.

Food insecurity, which is considered as having limited or uncertain access to adequate food, can lead to poor health and increased odds of developing chronic illnesses.  Aetna recognizes the importance of nutritious food in sustaining a healthy lifestyle and we appreciate their support of our Mobile Food Pantries.