Grants are awarded to community initiatives that encourage health and well-being.
Bismarck, ND. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is pleased to announce a $35,000 SPARK grant has been awarded to Dream Center Bismarck. This grant will significantly bolster the Dream Center's ability to address the critical issue of hunger, promote health equity, and support individuals and families in need in Bismarck and Mandan.
The funds awarded for this project will allow the Dream Center to grow and expand their Adopt-a-Block program which distributes groceries 6 days a week to low-income neighborhoods for individuals who lack funds or reliable transportation.
"We are immensely proud to stand alongside Dream Center Bismarck and support their tireless efforts to decrease barriers and promote health equity. This funding will allow them to reach even more low-income, vulnerable, and at-risk individuals, making a substantial difference in their lives,” says Amber Blomberg, Executive Director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation.
The Dream Center Bismarck's Adopt-a-Block program is the largest regular, year-round mobile food distribution program in the area, providing food directly to neighborhoods in need. The money saved on groceries by families can be redirected towards crucial needs such as rent, utilities, medical bills, education, and essentials. Approximately 800,000 meals are served per year to individuals and families who rely on the Dream Center’s support.
"We are grateful to the BCBSND Caring Foundation for this transformative grant,” says Jim Barnhardt, Founder of Dream Center Bismarck and the Adopt-a-Block program. “These funds will greatly aid our efforts to reduce food insecurity, improve access, support healthy lifestyles, encourage better nutrition, and promote more positive health outcomes. With this funding, we will strive to reach even more individuals and families who are in need throughout Bismarck and Mandan.”
Strengthening People, Access, Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) grants are awarded to initiatives that encourage health and well-being in local communities, reflect community priorities and demonstrate strong local collaborations. The SPARK grant program, run by the BCBSND Caring Foundation, offers funding to non-profit organizations throughout North Dakota.
For more information about Dream Center Bismarck and The Caring Foundation, please visit https://www.dreamcenterbismarck.org/ and https://www.bcbsnd.com/caring-foundation.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/caring-foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.
