PASTISIVIKISH: Gilead Foundation Funnels $3 Million In ‘Cure Hunger’ Grants To Fight Food Insecurity
The Gilead Foundation is serving up pure positivity through a grant commitment of more than $3 million to help expand access to healthy food in communities across the US
An initiative from the non-profit science arm of Gilead To cure hunger and supports 14 local and regional organizations working to meet the needs of families in need in California, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, DC
According to the press release, the grants, which come at a critical time in our country, will strengthen access to food for a long time through mobile markets, nutrition education, and school distribution programs, with a particular focus on helping communities where the population is the highest.
“There is a deep connection between food safety and health,” said Shreya JANI, Senior President of Public Affairs, Gilead Science and Board of Directors, Gilead in a statement. “Food insecurity is linked to a variety of health risks, including chronic conditions, infectious diseases and other serious illnesses. By finding organizations that provide real impact and improve health outcomes.”
The Gilead Foundation emphasizes that their latest grants are urgently needed, as USDA data shows food insecurity is strongly linked to higher rates of chronic illness and medical injuries in adults and children.
Who will get the money?
The press release notes that the grants will support a range of innovative, community-driven initiatives across the country.
In California, the California association of food banks will implement a time-driven food model that distributes 1.2 kilograms in support of small farms, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank will increase the 2.5 kilograms it provides to the County.
The Social Justice Learning Institute will distribute 850,000 pounds of produce and expand its urban farming and education programs in Ingwewood, while Food Forward will also source 833,000 pounds of fresh produce to reduce waste and get out of Southern California.
In the Southeast, the Food Bank of Central and North Carolina will support the distribution of 17 million pounds of food through 600 partner agencies. In the mid-Atlantic region, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey will distribute 2.28 million pounds
The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, DC will expand its mobile market sites and distribute 1.2 pounds of 170 million, and the Maryland food bank will develop 2.4 pounds of food that provides families.
“The California Association of Food Banks, in partnership with the Five Area Food Banks, is grateful for Gilead’s investment in our collaborative model,” said Stacia Hill Levenfeld, executive director of the California Association of Food Banks, in a statement. “This money will increase access to culturally appropriate food, strengthen local food systems, and improve long-term community health.”
Finally, the Gilead Foundation says its hunger program builds on its broader commitment to supporting the communities where Gilead employees work. In 2024, the foundation donated $21.5 million to organizations that promote education, health equity and social resilience.
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