Franciscan WorkingWell Donates Symposium Proceeds to Food Insecurity Program

Franciscan WorkingWell, a division of Franciscan Alliance, recently donated the sponsorship proceeds from a day-long employer solutions symposium to the Franciscan Health Foundation of Northern Indiana's Food Insecurity Program. The symposium, held on September 12th at Avalon Manor, aimed to help employers find healthcare solutions, attracting over 130 attendees representing 75 companies.

Empowering Employers, Feeding the Community

Symposium Sponsorships Fuel Food Insecurity Initiative

The Franciscan WorkingWell symposium was made possible through the generosity of several sponsors, including platinum sponsor Apex Benefits, gold sponsors BD+A Health Informatics and Brown & Brown Insurance, and breakfast and lunch sponsors Generate Sales and Marketing and NIPSCO. The event was free for attendees, and the $3,050 surplus from the sponsorships was donated to the Franciscan Health Foundation's Food Insecurity Program.Tim Ross, the director of employer solutions for Franciscan Alliance, expressed his gratitude for the symposium's sponsors, stating, "We are thrilled they generated over $3,000, which will significantly aid in our mission to feed hungry children and families in our community." The donation will directly support the Foundation's efforts to address food insecurity across the region.

Multifaceted Approach to Combating Food Insecurity

The Franciscan Health Foundation's Food Insecurity Program, launched in 2021, takes a comprehensive approach to addressing this critical issue. The program consists of three phases:Phase I: Mobile MarketsThese drive-through events provide food to those in need, delivering essential nourishment directly to the community.Phase II: Fresh Start MarketsEstablished in Hammond and Crown Point, these markets allow individuals and families in need to shop for free, while also providing education, nutrition guidance, and recipes to address the underlying causes and health implications of food insecurity.Phase III: Food Rx ProgramThis initiative identifies low-income individuals and families through the Fresh Start Markets, screenings, and referrals, and provides them with specific foods to meet their individual health needs.Rick Peltier, the executive director of the Franciscan Health Foundation of Northern Indiana, expressed his appreciation for the symposium's contribution, stating, "The proceeds will help us feed more hungry children and families, which is important for the sustainability of our program and the assistance we can provide. Our Food Insecurity Program is 100% dependent on philanthropic gifts, so every donation allows us to stay in the battle against hunger."

Empowering Employers, Nourishing the Community

The Franciscan WorkingWell symposium not only provided valuable solutions for employers but also had a direct impact on the local community through its support of the Franciscan Health Foundation's Food Insecurity Program. By leveraging the generosity of its sponsors, the event was able to generate funds that will directly benefit those in need, ensuring that more families have access to the nutritious food they require.This collaborative effort between Franciscan WorkingWell and the Franciscan Health Foundation demonstrates the power of corporate social responsibility and the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses and nonprofit organizations work together to address pressing community issues. The donation from the symposium's sponsorships will continue to fuel the Foundation's multifaceted approach to combating food insecurity, providing a lifeline to those in need and contributing to the overall well-being of the region.