Ken-Tenn Foodbank partners with Anthem for “Fresh Fridge” program

March 07, 2023

Ken-Tenn Foodbank in Fulton has announced it is partnering with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky to provide nutritious food to families through the “Fresh Fridge” program.

The initiative grants new refrigeration units to community organizations that distribute large amounts of perishable food to those in need.

One in eight Kentucky adults experience hunger daily and one in six Kentucky children go without food, according to Feeding America. This program is needed now more than ever.

Last December, Anthem Medicaid donated $10,000 to food pantries in Henderson and Salyersville. The health plan also pledged an additional $15,000 to establish five new “Fresh Fridge” locations across the state.
In addition to Fulton’s Ken-Tenn Foodbank, Anthem Medicaid has partnered with Family Service Society in Paducah; Exodus Family Ministries in Louisville; Esperanza Latino Center in Covington; and Fayette West Neighborhood Center, Community Action Council in Lexington.

“The ‘Fresh Fridge’ program has proved to be a vital asset for many of the community-based organizations we work alongside,” said Leon Lamoreaux, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky. “Food insecurity has significant detrimental effects on health, especially in children, and can leave devastating, long-lasting impacts. This program continues to fulfill our commitment to creating solutions that benefit a person’s whole health.”

The “Fresh Fridge” program is part of Anthem Medicaid’s ongoing efforts to holistically address the various social determinants of health for Kentuckians. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthem Medicaid has donated more than $2.2 million to reduce food insecurity throughout the state.

“Our new partnership with Anthem Medicaid brings healthy food access to our Fulton County neighbors who need it most,” said Harry Bushart, President of the Ken-Tenn Foodbank. “The ‘Fresh Fridge’ program allows us to further our mission, by storing, distributing and serving more of our community.”