CalViva Health delivers over $800K in emergency relief funding to local food and shelter providers

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- CalViva Health has distributed more than $800,000 in emergency relief funding to local organizations providing food and shelter services.

The health plan, which serves more than 400,000 members in the region, delivered $803,100 through a multiday Community Relief Tour aimed at supporting frontline providers addressing food insecurity and housing instability.

"Right now in our current economy, people are hurting. They need help, and our goal is to figure out how to help them best, so this Emergency Food and Shelter program was a great way for us to get into the community," said Courtney Shapiro, CalViva's director of community relations and marketing.

The funding comes as the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program - a FEMA-funded grant initiative that supports organizations providing emergency food, shelter and related services - has been frozen for more than a year.

In response, CalViva used its own emergency funds to assist 15 local organizations.

"So us coming in with these checks made it a great bonus for them. It allows them to buy more food, especially fresh food. It's so expensive for meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables to get into the hands of our community," Shapiro said.

Shapiro, along with the organization's CEO, Jeff Nkansah, personally delivered checks to each recipient during the tour.

The in-person visits also gave CalViva representatives a closer look at the needs facing local service providers.

"It was a joy to go out there and work with the local partners," said Shapiro. "We got to walk their facilities, learn what their needs are. I'd say it was probably the highlight of my year so far."

CalViva leaders said the initiative reflects their broader view that health extends beyond clinical care, emphasizing the importance of access to nutritious food and stable housing as foundational to community well-being.

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