Moncton, NB – Given the exacerbated and sustained needs in our communities from the ongoing healthcare pandemic and ensuing economic and social impacts, Medavie is providing $100,000 to Food For All NB to advance access to good, healthy food in supporting the food security needs of New Brunswickers.

Throughout the pandemic, Food For All NB has been providing a coordinated, provincial emergency response to food security, while fostering a network of individuals and organizations who deliver food programming in communities throughout New Brunswick. The organization will use the Medavie funding to maximize their food security efforts with a focus on training and supports for the 600+ graduates of its Community Food Mentor program; providing capacity-building for specific food programs such as community gardens and Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives; developing partnerships among those offering healthy, accessible food programming; and amplifying communications efforts of existing and emerging community-focused food programs.

“The pandemic has highlighted the need for resilient and sustainable food systems for our communities, especially our most vulnerable citizens, as our province manages through and beyond these unchartered times,” said Bernard Lord, CEO of Medavie. “With community-minded being a core value of our organization and our employees, many of whom call New Brunswick home, we’re here to make a meaningful difference in our communities and improve the lives of Canadians.”

“Food insecurity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a health and social crisis and it has never been more important to work together to provide access to affordable and healthy food for all New Brunswickers,” said Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard. “Due to Medavie’s thoughtful donation to Food For All NB, citizens in need will have access to community-based initiatives that support active living and healthy eating in our province.”

“Thanks to this generous donation from Medavie, Food For All NB will be able to strengthen initiatives that offer more healthy, local food in our communities, such as good food boxes and community gardens, by growing its network of informed, connected and engaged citizens driving New Brunswick’s food movement,” added Laura Reinsborough, Network Director with Food For All NB. “This will have a huge impact on what we can achieve together as a province at this crucial time.”

This funding is in addition to Medavie’s $750,000 contribution to the Atlantic Compassion Fund, an initiative of the region’s 11 United Ways, including $300,000 for New Brunswick, as well as direct funding to organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Moncton, Youth Impact Jeunesse, Capital Region Mental Health and Addictions, the Greater Saint John Emergency Food Program, among others. It’s part of Medavie’s $5M COVID-19 Response Fund, which was established to help communities address their immediate needs, as well as assist with much-need recovery efforts as organizations navigate through the pandemic and find new and innovative way to provide essential services.

Through its Foundation, Medavie supports community-based programs aligned with adolescent mental health and post-traumatic stress, and initiatives that support active living and healthy eating.

About Medavie
Medavie is a national health solutions partner that integrates benefits management, health management and health care delivery. Together, with our more than 6,400 employees, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that improve the wellbeing of Canadians.

As a not-for-profit organization, Medavie oversees Medavie Blue Cross, a premier all-in-one benefits carrier and public health program administrator, and Medavie Health Services, a national primary health care solutions organization and the largest private provider of EMS management services in Canada.

We are proud to commit an annual social dividend to the Medavie Health Foundation to support programs and initiatives aimed at addressing some of our country’s most pressing physical and mental health care challenges.

Media Contact
Caitlin Ferguson, Medavie
[email protected]
902.496.5958