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Fidelis Care’s New Rego Park Community Office Opens to Serve Local Residents

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Fidelis Care Earns NCQA Health Plan Accreditation

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Fidelis Care is pleased to announce the opening of its newest Community Office at 95-01 63rd Drive in Rego Park, Queens. Conveniently located in a busy and diverse neighborhood near shopping, restaurants, and businesses, and with easy access to public transportation, the new office continues Fidelis Care’s more than 25-year commitment to serve local residents where they work and live.

Fidelis Care Earns NCQA Health Plan Accreditation

With high visibility at the intersection of 63rd Drive and Saunders Street, the spacious new office is just two blocks away from Fidelis Care’s former Welcome Center and headquarters at 95-25 Queens Boulevard, and enables members and those seeking information about quality, affordable health insurance to meet with a Fidelis Care Representative in a safe and private setting. Fidelis Care Representatives speak multiple languages, reflecting the diversity of the community.

Whether applying for or renewing their coverage, or learning about their health insurance options, local residents can visit the new Community Office Mondays and Thursdays from 9 AM-5:30 PM; and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM-3 PM during July and August. Starting in September, new hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

“By being part of the community, we are able to make sure that children and adults of all ages have access to the health care and coverage they need,” said Fidelis Care Chief Member Engagement Officer Pam Hassen. Fidelis Care is deeply rooted in the Rego Park community and we look forward to having an expanded presence through our newest Community Office, where we can continue to provide outstanding service, support, and care.”

Fidelis Care has 36 Community Offices across New York State, including 21 in New York City and Long Island. StreetSide, Fidelis Care’s fleet of mobile offices, is also on the road to serve members and share information about coverage options.

Expanded Coverage, New Financial Assistance, No Premium for Essential Plan
Fidelis Care Representatives can help local residents learn about low-cost options for coverage and new and expanded financial assistance to New Yorkers enrolling in health insurance through NY State of Health. Through the American Rescue Plan, more individuals and families now qualify for financial help – including those with higher incomes who were not previously eligible for tax credits. Additionally, the Essential Plan now has no monthly premium, with dental and vision coverage added at no cost to members.

At all Fidelis Care community offices and StreetSide vehicles, COVID-19 safety precautions are in place including required mask wearing for entry, hand sanitizing, and social distancing.

For more information, or to make an appointment, individuals may call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547); TTY: 711. The latest Community Office and StreetSide schedule is available at fideliscare.org/offices.

About Fidelis Care:
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.3 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance.  Follow us on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Fidelis Care contact: Maria Ramirez  [email protected]

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SOURCE Fidelis Care

Goya Foods Pledges $2 Million To Combat Child Trafficking

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Goya Foods hosted a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., to announce the company’s pledge of $2 million to combat child trafficking and to launch Goya Cares. Speakers included Bob Unanue, President | CEO of Goya Foods; Dr. Ben Carson, Founder | Chairman of The American Cornerstone Institute; Eduardo Verástegui, Producer of Sound of Freedom; Jennifer Hohman, Founder #FightForUs; Bob Cunningham, CEO | International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children; Antonio Fernandez, President | CEO of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio; | Ally Brito, The Eric Chase Foundation; and Kathy Givens, Survivor Overcomer, Twelve11 Partners.

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic owned food company in the United States, announces at a press conference in Washington D.C., to pledge $2 million to combat child trafficking and to launch Goya Cares. 

Goya Foods hosted a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., to announce the company’s pledge of $2 million to combat child trafficking and to launch Goya Cares. Speakers included Bob Unanue, President | CEO of Goya Foods; Dr. Ben Carson, Founder | Chairman of The American Cornerstone Institute; Eduardo Verástegui, Producer of Sound of Freedom; Jennifer Hohman, Founder #FightForUs; Bob Cunningham, CEO | International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children; Antonio Fernandez, President | CEO of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio; | Ally Brito, The Eric Chase Foundation; and Kathy Givens, Survivor Overcomer, Twelve11 Partners.

Today, thousands of children, men and women fall victim to human trafficking in the United States.  One out of three is a child.  The top U.S. states for trafficking routes include Georgia, New York, Texas, Florida, and Los Angeles.  “Human and child trafficking is the largest modern-day slavery of our time and it is on the rise.  This isn’t a political issue.  This is a humanitarian issue.  We cannot ignore the plight, and trauma these individuals and their families experience.  We want to eliminate this horrific act of evil by shedding light on this major issue and support organizations and the individuals who risk their lives every day to rescue victims of human trafficking,” said Bob Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods.

The movie, Sound of Freedom, produced by Eduardo Verástegui, brings attention to the urgent matter of child trafficking through the heroic actions of a former government agent. As part of the pledge, Goya Cares, a global initiative, will support the release of Sound of Freedom and work directly with organizations that combat, rescue, reunite families, and rehabilitate victims including Freedom Foundation, The Eric Chase Foundation, Catholic Charities of San Antonio, Hope Rising Texas and many others. 

For more information, please visit: www.goya.com

About Goya Foods
Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central, and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world.  The combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings, and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and every table.  For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com

Press Contact:
Natalie J. Maniscalco
845.659.6506
[email protected]

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SOURCE Goya Foods, Inc.

The Ad Council, United Way Worldwide and The Rockefeller Foundation Launch New Campaign to Highlight 211 Service and Provide Support to Those in Need

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Ad_Council_Logo

NEW YORK, July 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — During a time when America has faced one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression, and with ongoing updates to many relief programs, a new national PSA campaign launched by the Ad Council and United Way Worldwide, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, encourages people to call 211 or visit 211.org, a one-stop network during moments of need. With over 200 agencies and thousands of caring local experts across all 50 states, 211 provides help in navigating support services and accessing essential benefits to help build a better life for millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8923351-ad-council-united-way-rockefeller-foundation-launch-new-211-psa/

In addition to killing more than 600,000 Americans, the pandemic threatens the health of vulnerable people devastated by the loss of jobs, homes and opportunities for the future: 11.3% of Americans today live in poverty1, 20 million adults recently have had trouble putting food on the table, and over 2.3 million women completely dropped out of the labor force2, which could leave them and their children financially disadvantaged for years.

From food assistance and help paying bills to health care answers and mental health resources, 211 can guide people who are struggling but might not know where to turn. Each specialist is local to their community and is trained to help confidentially curate resources and advocate for those who need support. During 2020 alone, the 211 network made 27.8 million connections to critical services and help.  This is up nearly 100% from the 14 million connections in 2019.  During the height of the pandemic in North America in 2020, 211 processed a 150% increase in connections to food programs. 

Creative agency Walton Isaacson developed the multi-channel campaign pro bono, which includes online video, broadcast and radio spots in both English and Spanish, illustrating 211 as the guiding light for families who are struggling financially or emotionally. The initiative also includes digital out-of-home and banners, which will be distributed nationally per the Ad Council’s donated media model.

Watch the PSA in English: https://youtu.be/yZaPnHiTFY0

Watch the PSA in Spanish: https://youtu.be/mS6E5V2jhbU

“Many Americans are still grappling with the financial and emotional repercussions of COVID-19,” said Ad Council President and CEO Lisa Sherman. “My hope is that this new work will be a guiding light for Americans across the country who are looking forward to a brighter future, knowing 211 will be there every step of the way to help them get there.”

“211 specialists throughout the U.S. and Canada have addressed front line needs this year, more than ever,” said Suzanne McCormick, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. “This new partnership will help increase awareness of 211 and the array of services available through the 211 network to help those in need. As a result of this partnership, we hope that even more people will get access to resources and support and that communities continue to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”  

“COVID-19 has cast a long shadow on the livelihoods of Americans across the country. In particular, it has exacerbated the wealth gap, disproportionately hurting Black and Latinx Americans and low-wage essential workers,” said Otis Rolley, Senior Vice President of Equity and Economic Opportunity at The Rockefeller Foundation. “Hyper-local support from within communities through 211 can make it easier for Americans to heal and rebuild from the hardship of last year.”    

“Shining a light on a resource like 211 at this moment in history has meant the world to our team,” said Aaron Walton, founder and CEO of Walton Isaacson. “We wanted to raise awareness in an actionable way, making sure people knew they were not alone and that their specific needs were understood. We are proud to have collaborated with the Ad Council, United Way Worldwide, The Rockefeller Foundation and all of the partners to create work for 211 that is inclusive and inspiring.”

Major media partners, including OUTFRONT Media, Samsung Ads, SXM Media, YouTube, among others have committed to providing significant donated media space to run and amplify the PSA assets. Entrepreneur and former Team USA Gymnast Josh Dixon will also be supporting the campaign, creating custom social media content to further extend awareness of the 211 service.

To learn more about the 211 benefits program and ways it can help, visit 211.org or call 211 to speak to a specialist directly about accessing public and private benefits.

About The Ad Council
The Ad Council is where creativity and causes converge. The non-profit organization brings together the most creative minds in advertising, media, technology and marketing to address many of the nation’s most important causes. The Ad Council has created many of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Smokey Bear. Love Has No Labels.

The Ad Council’s innovative social good campaigns raise awareness, inspire action and save lives. To learn more, visit AdCouncil.org, follow the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook and Twitter, and view the creative on YouTube.

About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited. 

About The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation to enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We work to promote the well-being of humanity and make opportunity universal. Our focus is on scaling renewable energy for all, stimulating economic mobility, and ensuring equitable access to healthy and nutritious food.  For more information, sign up for our newsletter at rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @RockefellerFdn.

About Walton Isaacson
Founded in 2005, Walton Isaacson is led by CEO Aaron Walton in partnership with famed NBA legend and entrepreneurial superstar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Walton Isaacson (WI) provides strategic and creative solutions to some of the world’s largest and most aggressive brand marketers. This innovative agency model marries award-winning, full-service advertising, digital and social capabilities across multiple disciplines, providing value and efficiency to partners. WI’s marketing specializations include Lifestyle, Entertainment, Experiential, Sports and Branded Content, as well as cultural expertise across Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ and General Market consumer segments. WI is headquartered in Los Angeles with additional offices in Chicago, Dallas and New York. For more information on Walton Isaacson, please visit www.waltonisaacson.com.

1 “Real-time Poverty Estimates During the COVID-19 Pandemic through April 2021“: http://povertymeasurement.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Real-time-Poverty-Estimates-through-April-2021-Updated-May-18-2021.pdf
2 National Women’s Law Center: https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Final_NWLC_Press_CovidStats.pdf

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SOURCE Ad Council

Gerber Commits to Carbon Neutrality for Organic Products in 2022 as Part of Climate Forward Nutrition Ambition

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Gerber announces Climate Forward Nutrition ambition and carbon neutral commitment.

ARLINGTON, Va., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Gerber, the early childhood nutrition leader, today announced its Climate Forward Nutrition1 ambition to pioneer on-farm research and invest in regenerative agriculture techniques to ensure the ingredients for our nutritious food for baby are produced in a way that increases biodiversity and soil health, and reduces water usage. As part of this ambition, Gerber has also committed to carbon neutrality across its baby food portfolio by 2035 through collaboration with a third-party carbon neutral certifier, with 100% of its Organic portfolio and Natural pouches and glass jars set to be carbon neutral in 2022. Gerber is the first U.S. company to announce its commitment to produce carbon neutral baby food products, representing the most ambitious climate commitment in the industry, and the integration of Gerber’s long-standing sustainable practices and new innovations that will reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

Gerber announces Climate Forward Nutrition ambition and carbon neutral commitment.

“For generations, Gerber has been committed to doing anything for baby, including taking action to help protect the planet, so babies can grow and thrive for years to come,” said Tarun Malkani, President and CEO at Gerber. “The commitment we make today is the start of the next chapter in elevating the choices we give parents who are seeking food that is good for baby and good for the planet, harnessing the next generation of regenerative farming and sustainable business practices. Our commitment to carbon neutrality is an important step in our climate journey, which will continue beyond 2035.”

Gerber is providing the first ever carbon neutral baby food donation, contributing $100,000 worth of products to families served by the Feeding America® network to prioritize access to both nutritious and climate conscious baby food for communities facing hunger. As its longtime partner for addressing food insecurity, Gerber has partnered with Feeding America since 1988, investing more than $2.8M in 2020.

“Nutritious food is critical to a child’s development. A potential 13 million children are at risk of being food insecure this year, a number that has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Blake Thompson, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Feeding America. “Feeding America is proud to partner with Gerber to help provide nutrient-dense food to children and families when they need it most.”

Gerber will reach carbon neutrality by implementing practices across several priority areas: regenerative agriculture, packaging, manufacturing and supply chain management, and recipe design, and by investing in high quality offsetting projects.

Key initiatives in Gerber’s sustainability and carbon neutrality roadmap include:

  • Creating fruit and vegetable research farm demonstration plots in Western Michigan where Gerber partners with the nonprofit Rodale Institute and Michigan State University to conduct unprecedented research in innovative technologies and advanced regenerative organic farming practices focused on replenishing soils, increasing biodiversity and evaluating the potential for nutritional benefits.
  • Optimizing energy use and sourcing 100% renewable electricity for our own manufacturing facilities and distribution centers by 2025.
  • Progressing our ambition to make 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025 and continuing to reduce or eliminate unnecessary packaging material where possible.
  • Advancing continuous improvement with Gerber farmers, or “Gerber Growers,” and documenting adoption of regenerative farming practices through data verified by Sustainable Environmental Consultants’ EcoPractices® platform.
  • Assessing environmental impact as part of all new product innovations and introducing more products with plant-based protein across Gerber’s Baby Food portfolio.
  • Planting one million trees in partnership with the National Forest Foundation and One Tree Planted in U.S. National Forests across 10 states.

“Climate change affects us all – especially the very young – and we are proud to partner with Gerber to help realize their climate goals,” said Franziska Sinner, Head of Corporate Sustainability at South Pole, the leading carbon project and climate solutions provider, which conducted a baseline carbon footprint assessment for the brand and suggested ways to lower the organization’s emissions. “Gerber’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices throughout the product lifecycle – from farm to table via low carbon supply chains – is visionary and has the power to inspire bold environmental action from other organizations.”

To learn more, please visit: mygerber.com/ClimateJourney.


About Gerber

Gerber Products Company was founded in 1928 in Fremont, Mich. Gerber joined the Nestlé family on September 1, 2007. Gerber is a leader in early childhood nutrition. At Gerber, research informs everything we do – from the products we make, the nutrition education we deliver and the services we offer. Gerber provides resources from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) for health care professionals at Medical.Gerber.com/FITS and for parents at Gerber.com. Gerber is proud to have served families for nearly 100 years. Over the last 12 years, the company has provided nearly three billion purees, snacks and cereals to babies around the world.


About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.


About Rodale Institute

Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the organic movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and consumer education. Widely recognized as a founder of the modern organic movement, Rodale Institute has been a global leader in regenerative organic agriculture for over 70 years. The Rodale Institute is headquartered on a 333-acre certified organic farm in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.


About Michigan State University

The nation’s pioneer land-grant university, Michigan State University is one of the top research universities in the world. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, scientists and visionary leaders in agriculture and food production.


About South Pole

South Pole, recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Social Enterprise, has been at the forefront of decarbonization since 2006. With its global Climate Solutions platform, South Pole develops and implements comprehensive strategies that turn climate action into long-term business opportunities for companies, governments and organizations around the world. South Pole is also a leading project developer and has provided nearly 1,000 projects in over 50 countries with climate finance to reduce over a gigaton of CO2 emissions that meet the highest industry standards for certifying reductions. These projects also provide social benefits to less privileged communities which are particularly vulnerable to climate change.


About EcoPractices®

Established in 2008, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, powered by EcoPractices®, is part of Wright Services Corp. employee- owned family of companies. Since their inception they have endeavored to be a leader in providing innovative solutions to better the planet through their three divisions of sustainability risk management, agricultural compliance and engineering, and erosion control. They provide a full range of environmental services needed by food companies and their agricultural supply systems.

1 Climate Forward Nutrition is Gerber’s commitment to incorporate practices and technology to limit and eliminate carbon emissions. These efforts will take place on the farms where Gerber fruits and vegetable are grown and carry through the brand’s manufacturing, packaging and transportation processes to ensure babies everywhere get the nutrition they need to thrive while helping to protect the planet. Gerber will also be partnering with a third-party to certify that Gerber’s baby food products are carbon neutral by 2022 and 2035.

Media Contact
Alicia Lyford
[email protected]

 

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SOURCE Gerber

Jeep® Brand Celebrates 80 Years by Building an Electric Present and Future

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Jeep® celebra sus 80 años construyendo un presente y un futuro eléctricos

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On July 15, 1941, the former Willys-Overland Co. signed a contract with the U.S. War Department to begin production of the first military Jeep® vehicle. Eighty years later, the Jeep brand thrives around the world with a product lineup that continues to expand into new segments, a devoted community of global customers and the use of 4xe electric vehicle technology as the natural evolution of 80 years of capability leadership.

Jeep® Brand Celebrates 80 Years by Building an Electric Present and Future.

“We’re celebrating our 80th anniversary by continuing to move upward and forward,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer. “We’re expanding our portfolio into new segments, with the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L, while setting a strong foothold in the premium SUV market, with our all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Next in our exciting global product pipeline is the introduction of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will be equipped, for the first time, with plug-in-hybrid 4xe technology. We are fully committed towards a vision of zero emission future, and by 2025 we will be offering a zero-emission fully electric Jeep 4xe in every SUV segment.”

To celebrate its anniversary and to honor this zero-emission vision, the Jeep brand posted today on the Jeep brand YouTube channel the 80th Anniversary version of the Jeep Life Electrified video, which debuted during the 2021 Stellantis’ EV Day event. The video showcases the unique nature of the electrification of the Jeep brand through a couple’s love story. The piece intertwines Jeep brand vehicles, future technology and the Jeep global community, to establish a promise for a brighter future ahead. The piece features Bastille’s new song, “Give Me The Future,” out today.