Delta Dental Community Care Foundation Marks Giving Tuesday with $25,000 to the Utah Food Bank

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation today announced that it is giving $25,000 to the Utah Food Bank. This announcement falls on Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement that encourages people and organizations to do good, which has deeper resonance amid the challenges presented by COVID-19.  

"As a result of the pandemic, food insecurity rates and reliance on food banks are skyrocketing like never before," said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president for foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California and its affiliates. "Fighting food insecurity is not only the right thing to do for our communities during these trying times, but it also aligns with our mission to promote oral health."

Dental caries, or the disease that causes tooth decay, has been linked to food insecurity – a disruption in food intake or eating patterns due to a lack of resources – in numerous studies. Delta Dental of California and its affiliates, through the Foundation, employee support and corporate giving, have strengthened food banks across its enterprise states for years. As the economic crisis caused by the pandemic continues, it became clear it was time to increase that support exponentially.

"We, and the 511,000 Utahns facing hunger, are incredibly grateful to Delta Dental Community Care Foundation for their gift of $25,000 to Utah Food Bank," said Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank President & CEO. "Using their donation as a match on Giving Tuesday to double the impact of other's gifts means that if we meet our goal, it will provide 207,000 meals for Utahns facing hunger. Donations can be made towards this effort on our website through midnight."

Today the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation is announcing $2.5 million in funding to food banks across 15 states and Washington, D.C.  This is in addition to $11 million in previously awarded grants in response to COVID-19. Foundation support in 2020 totals nearly $15 million, including nearly $225,000 to nonprofits in Utah.

About the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation partners with local communities to increase access to care, support dental education and fund research that advances the oral health field. Since 2011, the Foundation has awarded more than $60 million across 15 states and the District of Columbia. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies, including Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and Delta Dental of New York, Inc.

About the Utah Food Bank

Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank has operated under various names but remains true to its mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide by providing food to a statewide network of 203 emergency food pantries and agencies. Last fiscal year, Utah Food Bank distributed 52.9 million pounds of food and goods, the equivalent of approximately 44.1 million meals, to families and individuals in need across the state.  For more information about Utah Food Bank, or to get your donation matched on December 1, visit www.utahfoodbank.org.

SOURCE Delta Dental Community Care Foundation