BCBSNE supplies 32,657 meals through Food Bank for the Heartland’s Strike Out Hunger Campaign

BCBSNE employees pack food at Food Bank for the Heartland

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) employees stepped up to the plate this June to join Food Bank for the Heartland and other Omaha companies for the Strike Out Hunger Campaign. 

Each summer, Food Bank for the Heartland puts on a friendly competition among Nebraska businesses to help put food on the tables of many in need across the food bank’s service area. Participating companies are split into categories depending on size.  

BCBSNE took third place in the Wild Card division of this year’s competition, supplying 32,657 meals for individuals and families in 93 counties. 

Team Blue employees came together for the competition by dropping food in donation boxes at the office, donating money and volunteering at the food bank.   

“As we exit the pandemic, the food bank and Strike Out Hunger provide much needed resources to families across the Heartland,” said Chad Werner, BCBSNE’s chief financial officer and Food Bank for the Heartland board chair. 

The food bank has been operating in a state of emergency since large portions of Nebraska experienced flooding in the spring of 2019. During an event wrapping up the campaign, Brian Barks, president and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland, said there’s no end in sight to the food emergency many Nebraskans face after the flooding, COVID-19 and the financial difficulties many families are now faced with.  

Initiatives like Strike Out Hunger make a big difference on hunger and food insecurity in each of the 77 counties in Nebraska and 16 counties in western Iowa the food bank serves. BCBSNE’s third place finish in the Wild Card division is a testament to the unwavering support and dedication the team has for its members and all Nebraskans, Werner said.  

“As we celebrate our third-place finish and the accomplishments of the businesses around us, we remain focused on our commitment to making positive changes in the lives of Nebraskans,” Werner said. “I’m grateful and thrilled to be a part of Food Bank for the Heartland’s tireless efforts to provide nutritious food to thousands of families across Nebraska.” 

In total, Strike Out Hunger helped provide 548,510 meals to Nebraska and western Iowa residents.  

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