From Seed to Supper: Excellus BCBS Employees Cultivate Community, One Vegetable at a Time

What began as tiny seeds planted in spring gardens blossomed into an opportunity to nourish communities. Through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield's Seed to Supper program, employees shared the fruits of their labor and their compassion, donating fresh vegetables to local nonprofits to help increase access to healthy food in communities across the region.

Earlier this year, Excellus BCBS distributed vegetable seeds to its employees across the state and encouraged them to grow produce in their home gardens. Last week, many employees donated vegetables grown in their home gardens, while others added fresh produce purchased from local farmers markets and grocery stores, expanding the program's impact for families in need.

In Oneida County, for example, Excellus BCBS teamed up with ResQ2Feed Oneida County to help transform employee generosity into healthy meals for local families. ResQ2Feed volunteers collected fresh produce grown and donated by Excellus BCBS employees and transported it to the Johnson Park Center in Utica for distribution, ensuring nutritious, locally grown food reached community members who will benefit from it most.

Across the state, the Seed to Supper program also supported the YMCA of Ithaca/Tompkins County, the Doing What Is Good and Healthy Together (DWIGHT) Food Pantry at Monroe Community College's Downtown Campus and the Lee Barta Community Center at the United Way of Broome County.

"Fresh vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that support healthy lives," said Cassie Wright, supervisor of the specialty team at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. "For individuals and families facing financial challenges, access to fresh produce is not always possible. Donations through this program helped increase access to nutritious foods while reinforcing the connection between healthy eating and overall wellness."

These partnerships demonstrate how businesses, employees and nonprofit organizations can work together to improve nutrition awareness and consumption, while strengthening community connections.

"This initiative represents community at its best," said Armand Mastraccio, founder of ResQ2Feed Oneida County. "Employees invested their time and talents to grow healthy food, Excellus BCBS provided the opportunity, and together we're ensuring that this fresh produce reaches neighbors who can benefit from it immediately. It's a wonderful example of how simple acts of generosity can create meaningful community impact."

The produce distribution supports ResQ2Feed's mission of reducing food waste, improving access to nutritious foods and building healthier communities through innovative food recovery and distribution partnerships.

By combining employee generosity, local partnerships and a shared commitment to community health, the Seed to Supper program helped turn seeds into healthy meals, stronger connections and greater access to nutritious foods for neighbors across the region.

• DWIGHT Pantry Orders | Student Life & Leadership | Monroe Community College
• HLC | Healthy Lifestyles Coalition | United Way of Broome County
• YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County

Contact:Scott A. Gwilt [email protected]