Global health service company Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI) today kicks off Healthier Kids for Our Future, a $25 million five-year global initiative to improve the health and well-being of children. Cigna's 74,000 global employees will work together to put children on a healthier path, starting with reducing childhood hunger and improving nutrition in local communities. Today, Cigna employees are working side-by-side to pack food for elementary school students who might otherwise go hungry on the weekends, in partnership with the non-profit organization, Blessings in a Backpack.
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Cigna's Healthier Kids For Our Future initiative aims to help improve the health and well-being of children globally. (Photo: Business Wire)
Healthier Kids for Our Future is part of Cigna’s $200 million investment to support local communities and improve societal health announced at the close of the company’s transaction with Express Scripts in December 2018.
“Cigna’s goal is to set a course for children to live healthy lives. Children who go hungry are more likely to be in poor physical health, struggle with mental well-being and suffer from preventable chronic conditions,” said David Cordani, president and chief executive officer of Cigna. “At Cigna, we are focused on improving peace of mind for the people we serve, and to do this, we need to serve the communities where they live, work and play. Our goal is to address food insecurity for children in order to help build healthier communities in the future.”
According to Blessings in a Backpack, there are more than 13 million American children at risk of hunger. Research has shown that food insecurity and hunger can significantly affect a child’s short- and long-term physical and mental health and may lead to poorer health outcomes later in life. Blessings in a Backpack, which has partnered with Cigna locally since 2013, is currently feeding more than 87,000 children in more than 1,000 schools across the United States.
“We are thrilled to expand our work together and help feed the many children who go hungry when they are not in school. Everything we do to support the health and well-being of children makes a difference and gives these students a path to a brighter future,” said Brooke Wiseman, chief executive officer of Blessings in Backpack.
Today’s packing events are taking place, often simultaneously, in several cities where Cigna has a significant presence and the backpacks will be distributed in those local communities.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI) is a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind for those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability and quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York, Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance.
Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 160 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
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Contacts:
860-902-4906
elinor.polack@cigna.com
