INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Treasure Coast Food Bank received the Organization of the Year Award from the Florida Community Healthy Action Information Network (CHAIN) at its annual dinner and awards presentation held on Thursday, Sept. 17. The award is presented to an organization that has made a remarkable contribution to improving access to health care, providing enrollment assistance or to enhancing the quality or cost-effectiveness of health care services in Florida.
“We provide comprehensive benefits outreach assistance to help people enroll in the Healthcare Marketplace, SNAP, Kidcare, and Medicaid because we know that these programs help improve our clients’ ability to put food on their tables as well as improving their overall health outcomes,” said Judith Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of Treasure Coast Food Bank.
The outreach and education team housed at Treasure Coast Food Bank’s YourPlate Health & Wellness Center in Fort Pierce takes a holistic approach by targeting and promoting healthy lifestyles through providing access to services and education. Programming offered includes SNAP outreach and benefit assistance, nutrition education, senior, child and family programs, fun activities and other services targeting all-around healthy lifestyles.
Since 2013, Treasure Coast Food Bank, working in partnership with the Health Council of Southeast Florida, has had certified Marketplace Navigators on staff to provide consumers with education about the Affordable Care Act and application assistance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. In addition, Treasure Coast Food Bank navigators are trained in Access Florida, Medicaid, Florida KidCare, and Medicare Assistance programs, and are extremely knowledgeable in providing needed referrals to those in the communities served by Treasure Coast Food Bank.
The award was in recognition of the navigator’s outreach to nearly 10,000 individuals during Healthcare Marketplace open enrollment last year as well as their tireless efforts in providing outreach and education to thousands more through community events and one-on-one information sessions.
