Gateway Health and CitiParks 2017 GrubUp Summer Meal Program has been a Summer Success

PITTSBURGH, July 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gateway Health, in partnership with CitiParks, is a proud sponsor of the 2017 GrubUp Pittsburgh. GrubUp is a meal service program launched by CitiParks to address food insecurity issues that children might experience during non-school months when they do not have access to school lunch programs. GrubUp provides healthy and delicious breakfasts, lunches and snacks Monday through Friday during the summer, along with after school and Winter break programs. The meals are provided at no cost to all children up to 18 years old, as well as mentally disabled individuals up to 21 years old. As the last days of the program approach the August 11 final date, Gateway and CitiParks have received positive community feedback about the program.

"We have been beyond pleased with the results that we have seen so far with this summer program," said Patti Darnley, President and CEO of Gateway Health. "Through this sponsorship with CitiParks over the last few years, we have witnessed firsthand just how many children were reached and how this program removes from already stressed parents, the worry and strain of determining how to feed kids nutritious and different lunches during summer.  As a health plan that serves a vulnerable population, Gateway knows the importance of being a good neighbor in our community and part of that is making sure that children and families have the greatest opportunity to experience a healthy lifestyle, in which eating balanced meals plays an integral role."

As a primary sponsor, Gateway has lent its support in supplying free meals Monday through Friday throughout the summer in addition to supervised fun activities in community recreation centers.  There are nine recreation centers where GrubUp has been held including; Ammon Community Recreation Center, Jefferson Recreation Center, Ormsby Recreation Center, Paulson Recreation Center, Magee Recreation Center, West Penn Community Recreation Center, Phillips Recreation Center, Brookline Recreation Center and Warrington Field Recreation Center.

"CitiParks has continued to build and grow this program over the last few years, and each year we see both a greater need and response," said Darnley. "The objective of GrubUp is much more than a free meal. It's building a presence in the community and making a positive impact on the children and their families who benefit from our services. We share a common vision with CitiParks to make summertime healthy, happy and fun for Pittsburgh children."

About Gateway Health 

Gateway Health is a nationally ranked managed care organization that focuses on providing the best possible healthcare to a growing number of Medicaid and Medicare Advantage consumers. A not-for-profit organization, Gateway Health serves the needs of at risk and vulnerable citizens with not only healthcare coverage, but services such as disease management, health and wellness programs and preventive care. The organization provides Medicaid services in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia and Medicare coverage in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio and North Carolina. Our commitment to helping our members and their communities get and stay healthy is what keeps members, providers, communities and partners "Good with Gateway." To learn more about Gateway Health, visit us online at www.gatewayhealthplan.com.

SOURCE Gateway Health

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http://www.gatewayhealthplan.com