UTICA — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield will be donating a total of $4,500 to nine food banks located in the organization’s Utica region service area. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Utica region encompasses Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and St. Lawrence counties.

“There continues to be a great need for programs that combat food insecurity,” said Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica regional president. “We are pleased to provide funding to these organizations who work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals in the communities we serve.”

Each of the following organizations will receive a donation of $500:

• Herkimer County Office for the Aging – Herkimer

• Lowville Food Pantry – Lowville

• Johnson Park Center – Utica

• Karing Kitchen – Oneida

• Hope House – Utica

• Feed Our Vets – New York Mills

• Utica Rescue Mission – Utica

• Lewis County Opportunities – Lowville

• Cooperstown Food Pantry – Cooperstown

“Social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, negatively affect quality of life and health outcomes,” explained Van de Wal. “Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is proud to partner with community-based organizations who address these important issues in order to help reduce health disparities within the communities we serve.”

The company said its corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies, or products.