Children’s Hunger Alliance Presents CareSource with 2024 Community Impact Award

DAYTON, Ohio (CARESOURCE) - The Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA) recently presented CareSource with their 2024 Community Impact Award at the organization’s annual Menu of Hope luncheon in Columbus. CareSource was recognized for investing $1.2 million in CHA since becoming a partner in 2007.

“We are grateful to have a partner like CareSource who is dedicated to making sure children throughout Ohio have access to nutritious food,” said Michelle M. Brown, president and chief executive officer of Children’s Hunger Alliance. “Their continued investment in CHA’s programs has a critical and lasting impact.”

Dee Yocum, Vice President of Ohio Market Operations, accepted the award at CHA's annual Menu of Hope luncheon in Columbus. (Photo: CareSource)

Nearly 400,000 or 1 in 5 children in Ohio are struggling with hunger and do not know when they will have their next meal. Children’s Hunger Alliance partners with over 1,300 organizations throughout the state to provide millions of meals annually to at-risk children. Funds raised through events like Menu of Hope support the programs that provide access to food for children and help them live healthy lives.

“Addressing social determinants of health like food insecurity for Ohio’s children is key to building a healthier future,” said Jesse Reed, director of life services, CareSource Ohio. “It was an honor for CareSource to be recognized for our contributions at an event where so many partner organizations and individuals who support this worthy cause were present.”

During the most recent holiday season, 18 CareSource volunteers spent an hour of their morning packing over 700 weekend meal boxes in conjunction with CHA. Overall, the volunteer team filled 3.5 pallets at six meals per box for a total of 4,200 meals.

Last spring, CareSource helped fund the expansion of the CHA weekend meal distribution program.

“By working together, we will be able to improve access to meals for children when school meals are not available,” said Steve Ringel, CareSource Ohio Market President. “Our partnership with CHA enables many young Ohioans to have consistent access to nutritious food.”