Fidelis Care, CBS 6 Join Forces to Fight Weekend Hunger

Now in its 3rd Year, 'Backpack Heroes' Initiative Kicks Off September 10

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Sep 10, 2018, 10:00 ET

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fidelis Care is partnering with WRGB-TV on a month-long fundraising event that will benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY. Throughout September, members of the community are invited to become Backpack Heroes by making a monetary donation to The Regional Food Bank's Backpack Program.

The Backpack Heroes program helps alleviate childhood hunger by discreetly providing children in need with backpacks full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food on Friday afternoons so they have food to eat throughout the weekend. Backpack Heroes has helped raise more than $90,000, providing food for nearly 500 students from various school districts throughout the Capital Region, since its inception in 2016.

"Helping local children have the nutrition they need to succeed in school is a priority for Fidelis Care," said Fidelis Care's Chief Member Engagement Officer Pamela Hassen. "The Backpack Heroes program has shone a spotlight on the power of collaboration and partnership on the local level, and we are grateful to the community for their support of local families in need."

During September, CBS 6 will broadcast live from various locations around the Capital Region, raising awareness about the "hunger gap" that plagues many children in the community. Kicking off on September 10, Fidelis Care will host the initial phone bank from its Community Office at 997 Central Avenue in Albany. Donations will be accepted live on air during the CBS 6 evening news, from 5-7 PM. The cost to support one child for a school year is $183, although local residents will be encouraged to contribute any amount to the initiative.

"The Regional Food Bank is thankful for Fidelis Care's continued support of its Backpack Program through their annual Backpack Heroes campaign. Over the past two years, Backpack Heroes has raised funds to support 459 students with a bag of food each Friday throughout the school year. In addition to helping feed so many children in need, the campaign raises awareness of the issue of childhood hunger right here in our community. We know that children who are properly nourished attend school more regularly and perform better in school. Through the Backpack Heroes campaign, Fidelis Care is improving the lives of more than 400 children every year, and we couldn't be more grateful."

For more information on Backpack Heroes, or to make a donation, visit www.cbs6albany.com and look for Backpack Heroes under the community tab.

About Fidelis Care:

Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 1.7 million members Statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Contact: Allie Abbate, Public Relations Manager, [email protected], (716) 564-6295

SOURCE Fidelis Care