UTICA — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently awarded Rescue Mission of Utica, Inc. a Community Health Award of $1,000 to support its food services program. The Rescue Mission of Utica Food Services Program provides more than 246,000 meals to individuals in need throughout the Mohawk Valley.

Meals are served three times a day, every day of the year.

“With inflation pushing the cost of food, gas, and other goods to a higher level, there is an even greater need for food security,” explains Susan Woods, Rescue Mission of Utica development director. “We provide three meals daily and food bags three times per week through our Butala Food Pantry so meals can be prepared at home. We are a trusted providers of quality care to the most vulnerable in our community.”

The Rescue Mission of Utica, Inc. was established in 1890 and serves the city of Utica and Mohawk Valley, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist individuals with overcoming hunger, homelessness, addiction, and mental health issue. The Rescue Mission provides safe lodging, food, clothing, case management, counseling, advocacy, education, referrals, and support services.  

Through a competitive application process, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Community Health Awards provide funding to launch, expand, and sustain programs and services that promote health. These investments advance health equity by extending the reach of preventive health services or health-promoting programs to vulnerable populations. The health plan’s corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies, or products.

“The company’s Community Health Awards demonstrate a corporate commitment to support local organizations that share our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” said Eve Van de Wal, Utica regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “We recognize that addressing social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, is vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities and we are pleased to support the Rescue Mission of Utica with this essential community health funding.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to supporting local organizations that improve community health, the announcement said, adding the company’s corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies or products.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Utica region encompasses Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and St. Lawrence counties.