PROVIDENCE – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is partnering with local businesses to offer free grocery delivery for some of its Medicare Advantage members.
More than 1,800 members with health conditions that put them at high risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 are receiving weekly contactless grocery deliveries during December and January.
Blue Cross says it is focusing on turning to local farms and vendors for filling grocery orders, which typically include essentials such as milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables and other items. New Vermont Creamery in Providence, Roch’s Fresh Foods and Produce in West Greenwich and Superior Bakery in Cranston are among the grocery providers. The insurer is using local delivery services as well, including Christy’s Car and Truck Rental in Johnston and SaniTides in Providence.
Millonzi Fine Catering in West Warwick is helping to facilitate grocery orders.
“BCBSRI’s grocery delivery program is truly a testament to the power of local and to the power of Rhode Islanders serving other Rhode Islanders during times of need,” said Corey McCarty, consumer segment vice president at Blue Cross. “Without the help, creativity and willingness of these vendors to collaborate, we never could have made this idea a reality.”
Elizabeth Graham is a PBN contributing writer.
