By Loretta Worters, Vice President, Media Relations, Triple-I
One in five U.S. children is unsure where they will get their next meal, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2022, 33 percent of single-parent families experienced food insecurity, and the problem is especially acute for families of color and households headed by single mothers.
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation is observing Hunger Action Month – a nationwide effort held every September– by raising funds in its ongoing fight against childhood hunger throughout its 30th anniversary year in 2024.
On average, IICF provides up to five meals for every dollar contributed, working with 11 nonprofit partners that serve communities across the United States and United Kingdom. Donors to the IICF 30th Anniversary Celebration are recognized on its website as IICF Children’s Champions for contributions of $1,000 or greater and all donors contributing $30 or more.
Donors giving $30 or more can enroll for a complimentary year of IICF Global Membership, which provides exclusive volunteer opportunities and a network of philanthropically minded insurance professionals, noted IICF CEO Bill Ross.
“We convened an IICF 30th Anniversary Committee of 35 industry leaders in the new year to help lead and advance our 30th campaign to raise funds for hungry children,” Ross said. “Seven insurance companies are leading internal company campaigns in support of IICF’s 30th, raising and matching funds for hungry children: CNA, Burns & Wilcox, Falvey Insurance Group, Lockton, Markel, RT Specialty and The Hartford. We hope more companies and individuals will participate.”
The IICF has approximately 400 individual donors to date. For every 100 new donors, at only $30 each, that’s thousands of meals they can deliver to children in need.
“As we look back at 30 years of the IICF, it is encouraging to know we have grown from an effort primarily serving California, with approximately 20 board members, to now expanding as a national and growing international industry foundation with more than 800 insurance professionals, providing personal leadership and volunteer support, serving on IICF’s international and local boards and committees,” said Ross.
“Throughout our 30 years, IICF has maintained a focus on children at risk, education and food insecurity. Each of our divisions encompasses these focus areas, as well as additional areas of need specific to each region, including military veterans, the environment, and social mobility,” he said.
“It is always important to recognize where we started as a foundation, and our vision remains the same today. The IICF is here to represent the insurance industry in a united philanthropic effort by providing grants in local communities, industrywide volunteer service and ongoing opportunities for leadership in our communities and our industry.”
More Work Needs to be Done
Since 2020, IICF has raised $1.8 million and delivered three million meals through its Children’s Relief Fund, which was launched in response to the global pandemic. But more needs to be done. For those that wish to donate, the IICF is grateful to these acts of kindness.
Ross summed it up best: “When we unite to help others, great things happen for everyone – communities, our neighbors in need and our industry!”