BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Sept. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With children and
families facing unprecedented challenges due to the stress of the
pandemic, Cigna Foundation is teaming up with nonprofits across the
country to ensure underserved students and families have access to
healthy food and mental health support in schools.
"Now, more than ever, it is critical to ensure that kids in
every community have what they need to enjoy the healthiest,
happiest school year possible. The Cigna Foundation is committed to
doing our part to give kids and their families the healthy foods
and mental health support that will set them up for a successful
year," said Susan Stith, executive
director, Cigna Foundation. "We are grateful to be partnering with
dozens of committed nonprofits and educators from schools around
the country. Together, we can make a bigger impact for those who
need our support most."
Since its launch in 2019, the Cigna Foundation's Healthier Kids
For Our Future® program has awarded over $14
million in grants. As this school year begins, the
Foundation has earmarked $2.2 million
of these funds to 16 schools with large populations of low income
students to address the unique needs of their students. The
programs, in partnership with local nonprofits and community
organizations, aim to:
- Eliminate food insecurity by stocking in-school food
pantries or offering weekend food kits.
- Encourage mindfulness and support emotional well-being
by equipping educators with guidance on how to integrate
mindfulness into their classrooms.
- Empower youth with programs to teach resiliency through
gardening or creative arts and funding trauma-informed therapists
and teen suicide prevention education.
- Reduce loneliness and depression by better preparing K-8
educators to increase inclusion and sense of community, and promote
student social-emotional learning.
The Cigna Foundation's work has become more urgent as many
families are facing hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Feeding America, more than 42 million people may
experience food insecurity this year, including a potential 13
million children. Studies also find that many children and
adolescents experienced increases in depressive and anxiety
symptoms during the pandemic, stemming from social isolation,
family financial difficulties and school disruptions.
About Cigna Foundation
Cigna Foundation, established in 1962, is a private foundation
funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI) and its
subsidiaries. Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its
commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and
the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those
communities where Cigna employees live and work.
In 2020, Cigna Foundation awarded more than
$16.1 million in grants to support
nonprofits that share our commitment to enhancing health and
well-being.
Media Contact
Meaghan MacDonald
1 (860) 910-8194
meaghan.macdonald@cigna.com
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SOURCE Cigna Foundation