United Way of the Big Bend announced it was awarded a $100,000 grant from Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, to address food security for seniors and children and other crisis priorities in the Big Bend area. The gift is part of a $2 million initial investment Florida Blue is making to address urgent health and safety needs across the state as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.
“Our United Way of the Big Bend is greatly appreciative to Florida Blue for its commitment to our community by providing this significant grant to our UWBB COVID-19 Relief Fund. These efforts will be a long-term recovery for our neighbors and those living in poverty or at the edge of poverty. We anticipate these numbers increasing as we feel the impacts of COVID-19,” said Berneice Cox, President and CEO of the United Way of the Big Bend. “We know that life after a national pandemic will return to a new normal, but the effects will be felt for some time. United Way of the Big Bend stands committed to serve during this great time of need.”
“The health and well-being of our seniors and other vulnerable populations is a top priority. It’s imperative for them to have access to food and other essentials,” said Darnell Smith, Florida Blue’s North Florida market president. “Florida Blue is committed to working with our community partners across North Florida to ensure they can continue their critical work of caring for and supporting our neighbors in need.”
For more information about United Way or how you can help, please call (850) 414-0855 or visit uwbb.org