ALBUQUERQUE — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) donated $20,000 worth of food to communities in the Navajo Nation that reside in food deserts where the closest grocery store can be over a 30-minute drive. The three-month initiative served 1,000 families and delivered over 15,000 pounds of food to residents during food drops at Whitehorse Lake, Torreon, Ojo Encino and Pueblo Pintado in October, November and December.
“Our goal is to help address the lack of nutritional food in underserved tribal areas,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “By providing healthy food during the colder months, we are helping bridge the gap in food insecurity.”
Each bag contained an assortment of non-perishable items, including canned food, flour, baking powder, pinto beans, pasta, fresh fruit and more.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with more than 710,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.