Many people are hungry in America. Over 42 million Americans live in food insecure households. And, more than 13 million are children in startling numbers reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hunger creates a ripple effect in the lives of those in need that negatively impacts their health, ability to work through educational opportunities, build careers, and meet other basic needs. Simply providing food to those in need can make positive outcomes happen.

And, feeding people reduces the costs associated with healthcare. In fact, while people who face food insecurity are 2.9 times more likely to have significant health challenges, support for food access programs improves the odds of better health. For example, according to a recent study from the Center for Effective Government, every dollar spent on the Meals-on-Wheels program produced a $50 savings in Medicaid cost.

The groups in need come from all walks of life. For students, a recent community college study detailed the challenges that food insecurity brings to a person trying hard for a better life. Hunger hurts the body as well as the GPA, energy, and ability to concentrate of college students.

Buckeye Health Plan, a Centene health plan serving Medicaid, Medicare, and Exchange members, takes on the challenge of food insecurity through its annual Operation Feed the Hungry program. In the recent campaign, Buckeye worked with 100 community-based organizations in 13 Ohio cities. There were 14,653 hams and 8,034 turkeys provided totaling 236,319 pounds of food for those in need in Ohio.

Telling those in need about the program is important to making Operation Feed the Hungry successful. The Caring Marketing team has been a partner with Buckeye Health Plan in this effort. The work includes communicating with Buckeye’s agency partners who deliver the food donations to individuals in need improving the health of the community one person at a time. This is a comprehensive and integrated campaign that uses the tools of public relations and communications to make our communities stronger and full of Buckeye Holiday Hope!

For more information about the Buckeye Health Plan Operation Feed the Hungry and the successes achieved, check out examples of the success at the Caring Marketing’s YouTube and Facebook pages, or contact me directly at paul@caringmarketing.com.

Caring Marketing has moved its growing advertising and public relations business to Gahanna in central Ohio. Caring has more than doubled its office space and added amenities in order to better serve clients. Just west of Creekside in Gahanna, this newly remodeled space places Caring closer to the John Glenn International Airport, which will allow for easier access to its growing client base nationwide. The new location is 111 West Johnstown Road, Suite D, Columbus, Ohio 43230.

“Our clients are asking us for more marketing department services to either outsource and augment their internal capabilities, said Paul Carringer, President and Chief Strategy Officer for Caring. “We continue to serve clients with advertising, public relations, and live event solutions, but the growth of our marketing functional support and consultation services around North America demanded we move closer to the airport. And, Creekside is an exciting and creative space to be located near.”

The new office features a larger and more open main floor, with a conference room attached for team meetings and discussions with clients. The office’s location moves Caring into a quieter and greener setting, improving the office atmosphere through better lighting, fresh air and lowered noise pollution. Additionally, Caring remains centrally located in Ohio.

The new offices are located near the Creekside district of Gahanna defined by an extensive collection of boutique and luxury retail shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and night clubs, all surrounding a beautiful urban park. Creekside is a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon of shopping, indulge in a delicious meal, grab drinks with friends or just sit in Creekside and people watch. All this contributes to the area’s dynamic character.