The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation believes that food is medicine and that consistent access to nutritious food is an essential part of maintaining health. As part of a 3-year commitment for specialized nutrition services for seriously ill Virginians, Food and Friends provided a special traditional feast on Thanksgiving so the neighbors they serve could celebrate the holiday with their families. This is part of a $350,000 grant with the foundation where Food & Friends provides medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling year-round for clients with life-challenging illnesses in Northern Virginia.

Anthem and Food and Friends believe that everyone managing a serious illness should have the nourishment they need to improve their health and enhance their quality of life. With the help of volunteers, Food & Friends prepares and delivers nutritionally tailored, delicious meals directly to neighbors' homes. Their community dietitians and professional chefs work closely to provide individualized services to their clients. Food & Friends is built on a simple premise: anyone can get sick, and everyone can help.