DETROIT – April 2, 2024 – CCA Health Michigan, Inc., a mission-driven healthcare services organization that offers health plans designed for older adults and individuals with the most significant needs, today announced a donation to CARES to provide meals to families living in Farmington Hills and surrounding communities in Oakland and Wayne counties. The two organizations will also partner to enable CCA Health Michigan’s members who qualify for a food benefit to use their Healthy Savings Card at the CARES Market.
“CCA Health Michigan is focused on improving the physical and mental health of our members, including those impacted by food insecurity,” said Brian Keane, CCA Health Michigan’s General Manager. “By increasing access to nutritious food resources, we aim to minimize the risk of hunger, chronic disease, and even stress and anxiety. We’re proud to support CARES and the work they do each and every day to improve quality of life across our communities.”
A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that there are higher rates of chronic disease in low-income, food-insecure adults between the ages of 18 years and 65 years. According to Feeding America, in Oakland County, 8.6% are food insecure, meaning they don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from. In Wayne County, 13.8% are food insecure. Between 2020 and 2022, Michigan’s food insecurity rate (11.9%) was higher than the national average of 11.2%.
“Every donation that we receive goes directly to the people who need it the most,” said Todd Lipa, Executive Director of CARES. “We’re incredibly grateful for organizations like CCA Health Michigan who share our values and mission of helping individuals get access to the basic necessities and quality food that they need and deserve.”
CARES supports individuals and families in need with community-based programs and services, including the CARES Food Pantry, CARES Market, and Colette’s Place—which houses partner organizations and other social support services focused on mental health, substance use, veterans’ needs, and more.