A Call to Action Turns into 400 Thousand Meals for American Families

May 9, 2014 - PRLog -- New York, NY -- The numbers tell a disturbing story - 49 million people including nearly 16 million children in the United States live in food-insecure households, according to Feeding America.  And then there is this number that tells an equally compelling story, more than 400 thousand meals made possible by a partnership between local Food Banks across the country and Watertree Health (http://www.watertreehealth.com), a company that distributes free Prescription Discount Cards (http://www.watertreehealthcard.com).

“We knew the partnership was the right thing to do, but when we converted the donations into meals - well, I can’t begin to tell you what a great story that was for all of us,” says Matt Herfield, founder & CEO of Watertree Health.

A donation is made each time a script is discounted using a Food Bank branded Prescription Discount Card, which is administered by Watertree Health. It should be noted that 100% of these funds are given to the Food Bank partners - it is not tied to profit.

The partnership began with the CEO of the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley Terri Drefke and, under her leadership, the relationship has been rolling out to others across the country for almost two years.  Shane Power, President of Watertree Health says, “It was a natural fit because, when people don’t have enough to eat, it is easier for them to get sick and stay sick longer.”  Additionally, it is recognized that many of those who fall within these circumstances are more likely not to have adequate health insurance.  And if they need prescription medicines, they will generally have to make choices between paying bills, putting food on the table or filling their prescriptions.

Finding a way to fulfill two needs during difficult times – providing access to affordable prescription medicines and feeding America’s hungry - serves as a great incentive to those who are a part of the company. “Sometimes, it’s not just about earning a living, but it’s about the good you can do while providing for your family,” says Brian Chavez, Food Bank Program Manager for Watertree Health.

Letters from local Food Banks that benefit from this partnership, indicate just how much the relationship with this company means, “With the support of Watertree Health, we are able to provide nutritious food to struggling families throughout the year,” says Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank.

“We want to increase the number of meals our partnership provides,” says Matt.  “And I feel that we have the momentum to do so.”  That momentum comes from the fact that in addition to those who are uninsured, individuals with health care coverage that carry high deductibles and high co-pays are also using the free Prescription Discount Card to reduce cost and to fill in the gaps in coverage.  Seniors on Medicare who have hit the “donut hole” are also benefitting from use of the card.

To help any of the local Food Bank partners provide meals through the Watertree Health program, click here (http://www.watertreehealthcard.com/faqs-foodbank/).  Hunger in America is a real crisis, but one that we can all help address.

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About Watertree Health

Watertree Health was founded in late 2010, to address the growing need for accessible health care products and services in America. Its mission is to help people improve their lives by improving their health. The company’s founders believe everyone should be able to afford their medicines.  They launched the free Prescription Discount Card in 2011 to help the estimated 100 million people in America who didn’t have adequate prescription coverage and were forced to pay high out-of-pocket prices. Even with the Affordable Care Act in place, this statistic is not expected to change significantly. Through its partnerships with the nation’s leading Pharmacy Benefit Managers, it is able to provide people significant savings on prescription products.