RALEIGH, N.C. – In 2017, nearly one in seven Triangle residents faced limited or uncertain availability of nutritious food. To help address this problem, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is supporting A Place at the Table in Raleigh to provide meals to all, regardless of ability to pay.
Blue Cross NC’s contribution to A Place at the Table will provide 20 fresh, healthy meals per day for 365 days to those in need. The contribution will also assist with upfront operational expenses. The donation is one of several that supports local charitable organizations that align with the mission of Thrive NC presented by Blue Cross NC.
“Community support is critical to our mission of providing fresh and healthy food options for all,” said Maggie Kane, A Place at the Table executive director. “People long for a community and a place to feel welcome. We are able to provide that sense of fellowship over food.”
A Place at the Table invites customers to pay what they can for a fresh, healthy meal while experiencing community and conversation in the café. Customers can also volunteer in exchange for their meal. The restaurant is part of the One World Everybody Eats Movement, an umbrella group for the 60 pay-what-you-can cafes across the country. A Place at the Table is the first pay-as-you-can café in the Triangle and the second in North Carolina.
“A Place at the Table’s vision to provide community and healthy food for all aligns with the mission of both Blue Cross NC and Thrive NC,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Vice President, Integrated Marketing & Community Engagement of Blue Cross NC. “For North Carolina to thrive, individuals must thrive. Blue Cross NC is honored to support A Place at the Table as it provides healthy food for our community.”
To continue the conversation, Thrive NC will host a series of events aimed at creating meaningful discussion around the state’s food system challenges like maintaining a healthy diet, food insecurity and childhood obesity. Thrive NC’s two-day food festival is scheduled for May 10 and 11 at City Market in Raleigh.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities through innovative health care products, insurance, services and information to more than 3.9 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
About A Place at the Table
Founded in 2015, A Place at the Table is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pay-what-you-can cafe whose mission is to provide community and healthy food for all regardless of means. A Place at The Table opened at 300 West Hargett Street in Raleigh on Monday, January 8.
About Thrive NC
Thrive NC presented by Blue Cross NC celebrates how communities thrive when they are healthy and active. Thrive NC is a two-day event featuring an immersive culinary experience with contributions from top chefs and restaurants, live music, and an opportunity to give back through community service. A collaborative summit will kick off the event to engage stakeholders in meaningful conversations to address statewide food system challenges. Join us to discover how food brings us together at the inaugural Thrive NC presented by Blue Cross NC on Thursday, May 10 and Friday, May 11 in Downtown Raleigh at City Market.
Contact:
Maggie Kane, Executive Director - A Place at the Table
maggie@tableraleigh.org
Melissa Biediger, Communications Specialist – Blue Cross NC
melissa.biediger@bcbsnc.com or (919) 770-4092
Jeff Kleiber, Event Executive Director – Octagon, event manager of Thrive NC
jeff.kleiber@octagon.com or (919) 531-0240
Chris Vurnakes, Senior Event Coordinator – Octagon, event manager of Thrive NC
christopher.vurnakes@octagon.com or (919) 451-4602
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