While the coronavirus fight continues, the number of Georgians struggling — with layoffs, isolation, health concerns and food insecurity — are increasing as a direct result of the pandemic. From children who rely on school lunches, to seniors and people with disabilities who have challenges leaving their homes, food access is one of the biggest needs we face in our local communities.

The Anthem Foundation remains deeply committed to supporting the lives and communities where we live and work, and is responding to the COVID-19 crisis in Georgia by directing more than $200,000 to several organizations across the state. This funding will aid seven community partners as they continue to address specific COVID-19 efforts underway:

  • Actions Ministries: $25,000 for its SuperPacks program which helps the state’s most vulnerable children gain access to the proper nutrition needed to maintain good health and improve overall wellbeing;
  • The Atlanta Community Food Bank: $25,000 to directly support the organization’s food insecurity mobile emergency response efforts;
  • Georgia Family Connection Partnership: $10,000 to help provide food, shelter and essential items to individuals in 11 Southwest Georgia counties;
  • The Georgia Mountain Food Bank: $25,000 to support the organization’s Neighborhood Fresh, which provides food-insecure families access to fresh produce;
  • Thanks Mom and Dad: $50,000, to address food insecurity and housing for seniors through this pandemic;
  • United Way of Greater Atlanta: $25,000 earmarked for emergency assistance, health services and additional critical care needs such as childcare and food;
  • YMCA of Metro Atlanta: $50,000 to support the Foster Family Connections program, which ensures that children living in foster care have access to healthy food.

These contributions are part of a nearly $2 million commitment recently made by the Foundation as we continue to support relief efforts for communities and families as they respond to the many emerging challenges associated with this public health emergency.

In addition to these donations, Amerigroup Georgia, with the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services recently launched a program that will provide free laptops and three months of free internet access to children living in foster care. The initiative will enable children living in foster care to continue e-learning and at-home education while adhering to social distancing measures.