TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Capital Health Plan (CHP), the Big Bend region’s trusted health care provider, has deepened its investment in community well-being by donating $50,000 to Second Harvest of the Big Bend. The charitable contribution will help the nonprofit expand its efforts providing nutritious food to families across 16 counties in North Florida.
“As health care providers, we understand that access to nutritious food is just as vital as access to medical care,” said Dr. Cielo Rose, D.O., of Capital Health Plan. “By supporting Second Harvest, CHP is addressing the upstream factors that influence long-term health outcomes for families in our region.”
A check presentation to commemorate the gift was held at Second Harvest’s headquarters in Tallahassee. The event underscored the shared mission of both organizations: improving community health by tackling food insecurity head-on.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend provided over 17.5 million meals to food-insecure individuals in 2024, working in partnership with local food pantries, shelters, schools, and faith-based organizations. As part of the Feeding America network, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring that families have consistent access to healthy, nourishing meals.
“We’re grateful to Capital Health Plan for standing with us in the fight against hunger,” said Monique Ellsworth, CEO of Second Harvest. “This donation will help us reach more families with the food they need to survive and thrive. Together, we’re confronting one of our community’s most urgent — and preventable — health challenges.”
This donation reflects CHP’s continued commitment to addressing social drivers of health through partnerships that expand access to care, nutrition, and education. Together with organizations like Second Harvest, CHP is helping build a stronger, healthier future for the Big Bend.
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Capital Health Plan (CHP) is committed to offering affordable, comprehensive health care to its members. Now in its 42nd year, CHP has grown to serve over 135,000 members in the Florida Panhandle and has an extensive physician network that includes three exclusive CHP health centers that provide preventive, primary, and specialty care services. Based in Tallahassee, CHP is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.capitalhealth.com.
About Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Second Harvest of the Big Bend is the region’s leading nonprofit food bank serving 16 counties in North Florida. As part of the Feeding America network, Second Harvest of the Big Bend provides nutritious food and critical resources to families, seniors, and children facing hunger.
