Parkridge Health System, as a part of HCA Healthcare, announced today that the HCA Healthcare Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Chattanooga Food Center to increase access to healthy foods in the community. The funding is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a community impact fund with an initial investment of $75 million focused on addressing high priority community needs and health equity.
“We’re proud to announce the grant to Chattanooga Food Center and support their mission to create a healthier community,” said Chris Cosby, president and chief executive officer of Parkridge Health System. “We greatly appreciate the work of Chattanooga Food Center and are honored to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to improving the well-being of the community.”
The Chattanooga Food Center operates a community grocery store that stocks affordable, locally grown produce and nutritious foods. In addition to the grocery store, the center operates a diabetes prevention program and provides healthy cooking classes. The mission of Chattanooga Food Center is to increase access to locally grown foods, provide nutrition education, and inspire engagement in regional agriculture.
“We are so thankful for partners like Parkridge Health and HCA Healthcare who continue to invest in community organizations like us,” said Holly Martin, executive director of Chattanooga Food Center. “The Chattanooga Food Center aims to create a sustainable, equitable, resilient, and vibrant food system in which everyone can participate.”
Funding the Healthier Tomorrow Fund at the HCA Healthcare Foundation is one example of the many ways HCA Healthcare is making a positive impact in the communities it serves. In 2022, HCA Healthcare provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at an estimated cost of $3.5 billion. Additionally, HCA Healthcare continues to invest in the ongoing education and development of its colleagues and, as an enterprise, contributed $44.2 million to community organizations in 2022.
Get more information on the HCA Healthcare Foundation.