Donation to provide snack kits and nutrition resources to under-resourced children, teens
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 20, 2024 — Aetna Better Health Kids, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), announced a donation of $30,000 from Aetna to Small Things Inc. to provide snack kits and nutrition resources to children and teens in under-resourced areas of Philadelphia County. The program, Kids Healthy Snack Packs, aims to address food insecurity by providing essential nutrition education and promoting healthy eating habits.
“Aetna Better Health Kids is committed to investing in the long-term health and sustainable futures of our communities by working to ensure our younger generation is equipped with adequate knowledge and resources,” said Jerold Mammano, division president, Aetna Medicaid. “Small Things Inc. is a strong local partner working to address food insecurity, which is a root cause of poverty, and we’re proud to support their efforts to improve the well-being and development of youth in the Philadelphia area. Aetna is steadfast in our efforts to nurture healthier communities and we’re looking forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on the lives of Philadelphia's youth.”
In collaboration with a dietician, Small Things Inc. has curated a selection of popular, nutritious foods to distribute to youth as part of the Kids Healthy Snack Packs program. Each snack kit contains two items totaling 200 calories with at least two food groups represented, as well as resources in Spanish and English. In an effort to engage the general public and foster community involvement, Small Things Inc. also plans to host several volunteer packing events throughout the year.
The donation builds upon a lasting partnership between Aetna Better Health Kids and Small Things Inc., and emphasizes a commitment to serving as many of Philadelphia’s under-resourced youth and families as possible. In 2023, Small Things Inc. supplied 30,000 children and teens with healthy snacks and nutrition resources to educate them about healthy eating habits.
“Too many of Philadelphia’s youth are left wondering where their next meal will come from. With about a quarter of children in Philadelphia County experiencing food insecurity, we know there is critical work to be done,” said Reverend Vito Baldini, executive director at Small Things Inc. “Our goal is not only to distribute healthy snacks but also to deliver valuable nutrition education that empowers young people to make informed and healthy choices. This donation from Aetna Better Health Kids will have a direct impact on our ability to reach more youth, combat poverty and food insecurity, and promote a healthier lifestyle through our programs.”
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About Aetna Medicaid
Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid) has over 30 years of experience managing the care of under-resourced populations, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, and members on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid and CHIP managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve members in 15 states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com.
About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.
Media contact
Robert Joyce
Robert.Joyce@CVSHealth.com
