Amerigroup and its Foundation are donating $125,000 to nonprofit organizations in Tennessee to support ongoing efforts related to COVID-19.

The funding is part of the Foundation’s $50 million commitment for COVID-19 response and recovery efforts to help areas of greatest need, including Tennessee nonprofit organizations on the front lines of the pandemic, who have mobilized in response to the crises impacting the local community.

Amerigroup and its Foundation provided funding to the following organizations in the state.

n Boys & Girls Clubs across West, Middle and East Tennessee, $50,000 to support access to food and digital and eLearning content

n Feeding America, $30,000 for local food banks across the state to increase access to fresh produce. Amerigroup Foundation, as a Leadership Partner, also has committed $1 million to Feeding America nationwide to address food insecurity and accessibility.

n Nashville Food Project, $20,000 to help address food insecurity for underserved and at-risk youth and seniors in the local community

n From Your Father in Nashville, $10,000 to support at-risk single mothers with the provision of food and basic needs, acknowledging the importance of removing a variety of social barriers for this population

n Literacy Mid-South in Memphis, $10,000 to address learning gaps for students, providing quality virtual learning and educational materials

n Girls, Inc. in Oak Ridge, $5,000 to provide increased food access and eLearning content for young girls, promoting healthy lifestyles and positive self-esteem during these uncertain times

“Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are learning new and creative ways to deliver our mission while keeping youth safe, nourished, and on track to a great future. None of which would be possible without partners like Amerigroup,” says Eric Higgs, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee.

“Amerigroup has come alongside us, hand in hand, to ensure the needs of our youth are met through increased safety measures, food distribution and technology supporting eLearning. We are tremendously grateful for their commitment and support to our young people.”

“The devastation caused by the pandemic has left millions of American households without adequate resources to put sufficient food on their tables,” says Teri Sloan, development director, Nashville Food Project. “And while the pandemic is not the cause of this inequity, it has certainly exacerbated it. That’s why we’re grateful to Amerigroup and its Foundation for stepping in with funding for our mission. It will help us grow, cook and share nourishing meals in the community by helping cover supply costs and fuel for our trucks as well as support for various garden efforts that provide families with the resources they need to thrive.”

Amerigroup and its Foundation have partnered with dozens of Tennessee nonprofit organizations to support emergency response, food access, personal protective equipment supplies, education, cancer support and virtual youth programming. Since the beginning of the year, Amerigroup Foundation has committed over $450,000 in community value to support Tennessee communities.

“Through these uncertain times, Amerigroup and its Foundation are committed to helping our local communities that have been impacted by COVID-19,” says Robert Garnett, plan president, Amerigroup Tennessee. “We understand the immense pressure that is currently being put on our local partners and the importance of their mission to serve our communities. It’s through these strategic partnerships and programs, that we can positively impact our members and local communities in addressing the social drivers that often serve as barriers to health. These efforts are part of Amerigroup’s coordinated response to COVID-19 for members, local community organizations, health care workers and front-line responders.”

“At a time when much of our social interaction has gone virtual, I’m thankful for the work Girls, Inc. does to engage with and empower girls in the Oak Ridge community,’’ says Lt. Gov Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge).

“Far too often children who have the highest need of mental and physical health services do not receive it. With this donation from Amerigroup and its Foundation, Girls Inc. will be able to invest in building healthy lifestyles and self-esteem among the youth in our community who far too often get left behind,”

“The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is one of the many organizations that has gone above and beyond to serve our community during this unprecedented time,’’ says Rep. Robin Smith (R-Hixson). “Thanks to Amerigroup Tennessee, Chattanoogans will have access to 20,000 additional meals, ensuring that families, children, and seniors experiencing food insecurity will not go hungry.’’

Amerigroup associates in Tennessee have logged over 3,500 volunteer hours and donated over $40,000 this year to support nonprofit organizations in their communities. Volunteer efforts have included providing meals to front-line health care workers and engaging in virtual volunteering such as online teaching and telephone outreach to people who are isolated.

Amerigroup and its Foundation continue to work with national partners including the American Red Cross, Americares, Feeding America, Direct Relief and numerous others to ensure access to emergency assistance for individuals and families, and PPE and training for health workers.