The West Texas Food Bank was awarded a Blue ImpactSM grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). The grant will fund the expansion of senior food distribution programs, focusing on providing fresh produce to elderly residents in need.
“We are so grateful to have corporate partners like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas,” said West Texas Food Bank CEO Libby Stephens. “This award will help us reach more seniors with fresh produce. We know there is stress in our senior community with the cost of groceries, gas, and the cost of living so to have Blue Cross and Blue Shield come in and help us to provide all the produce that is needed for them is really special. We can’t say thank you enough.”
According to West Texas Food Bank, their most vulnerable population is the seniors they serve.
The grant is part of BCBSTX’s commitment to supporting community-based organizations that address health-related issues, particularly those linked to socio-economic challenges. Since 2011, BCBSTX has awarded over $25 million in grants statewide, benefiting millions of Texas children and families.
“Blue Impact grants help pave the way for healthier futures for children and families across Texas,” said Shenna Payne, Director of BCBSTX Community Affairs. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s recipients and look forward to witnessing the impact of their innovative programs on the communities we both serve.”
The West Texas Food Bank is a non profit hunger relief organization that distributes food through a network of over 100 partner agencies across 19 counties in West Texas. As a member of Feeding America, the nation's largest network of hunger relief organizations, the Food Bank provided over 14 million pounds of food to those in need in 2023.
According to its website, BCBSTX, a division of Health Care Service Corporation, is the largest health benefits provider in Texas, serving nearly 8 million members. The company collaborates with a wide network of healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive health services across the state.