MINNETONKA, Minn. — Medica has provided $500,000 in funding for food and nutrition security across five states. Among them is Green Cares Food Pantry in Green County, which received $20,000.

The funding comes as America is facing its worst rate of hunger in years, according to a recent report from USA Today. Food banks throughout the country are pressed to meet the demand: in Milwaukee County, according to the report, food pantries saw a 50% increase in visits after a government program for food allotments ended in Wisconsin in March. State and county-level food insecurity data is available on Feeding America’s website.

“I am hopeful that Medica’s contributions will help provide people in need with nutritional food choices,” said Lisa Erickson, Medica President and CEO. “When we talk about food security the nutritional aspect of the issue often is missing in that conversation — nourishing our bodies with fruits, vegetables, whole grains. I think that is incredibly important for everyone and we are pleased to support nutritional food programs for those in need.”

In addition to the funding, Medica employees to-date in 2023 have volunteered more than 1,000 hours at food distribution organizations throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.