FCHP donates $150,000 to local food banks

Date: 12/13/2011

GREATER SPRINGFIELD — Fallon Community Health Plan (FCHP) announced last month that it will distribute more than $150,000 to dozens of food pantries and hunger relief programs throughout Massachusetts. The donations represent the total net proceeds from FCHP’s annual fundraising event, which took place in September.

“The statistics are alarming and the critical need for food and nutritional support continues to grow,” Mary C. Ritter, senior vice president of strategy and communications at FCHP, said. “As a mission-focused organization, it’s essential for us to help by providing these grants to regional food banks and food distribution agencies.”

Since 2006, FCHP has been raising funds to support hunger relief programs through its annual fundraising initiative.

This year, more than 60 different companies participated in FCHP’s fund-raising initiative, generously contributing to the effort.

The proceeds from the annual fund-raiser will be distributed to the following hunger relief programs in Massachusetts, including these in the Pioneer Valley: Alliance to Develop Power in Springfield; Christian Pentecostal Church in Holyoke; Gándara Mental Health Center in Springfield; Lorraine’s Food Pantry and the Chicopee Emergency Food and Fuel; Open Pantry Community Services Inc., in Springfield; Westfield Food Pantry; and Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc., in Holyoke.