The Millonzi name is known across Rhode Island for fine catering, but for thousands of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island members challenged by chronic illness and low incomes, Millonzi also means the arrival at their doorstep of nutritious prepared foods and groceries – at no additional cost.

How did the state’s largest and locally based insurer wind up partnering with a West Warwick business owner who’s been active in Johnston civic affairs? The answer lies in their shared devotion to supporting some of the most at-risk Rhode Islanders and an evolving understanding of the important role nutritious food plays in health.

“It’s our mission to improve the health and well-being of all Rhode Islanders and not only by providing high-quality and affordable coverage of healthcare, but also by addressing issues that fall outside the healthcare system – basic human necessities,” said Melissa Cummings, executive vice president and chief customer officer. “Through our benefits and our philanthropy, we’re working on a broad range of issues that address health equity – and one of those is food security.

“We say here that ‘food is health’ and when we decided to begin delivering groceries to our members with the greatest needs, we turned to Kevin Millonzi. We knew we could depend on his successful business to efficiently deliver delicious and healthy food to BCBSRI members who might not otherwise be able to afford or easily acquire the food they need to best manage their health.”

While Millonzi, 45, supplies catered foods to numerous large institutions and businesses, including Providence College and the University of Rhode Island, he has long been active in supporting shut-ins and older Rhode Islanders through his involvement with Meals on Wheels. In fact, he serves on its board.

“Some of my favorite clients are our seniors. This food is so important to their well-being, and they are so appreciative of it,” Millonzi said one day while overseeing operations at his Curson Street food distribution center.

Millonzi, a native of Webster in western New York, can often be seen wearing a Buffalo Bills jacket, but on this morning the Johnson & Wales University culinary graduate had on a white chef’s coat (he’s been a chef at, or run, several Rhode Island restaurants). All around him, employees were assembling vegetables, fruits, pasta, milk, and bread and packing them into silver bags. Also included in the deliveries are prepared foods, typically items such as grilled chicken slices and chicken, tuna, egg and bean salads.

“It’s very simply prepared. We don’t add sodium or fats. And they are all natural food products,” Millonzi said. “We have a very big emphasis on fresh and locally-sourced whenever possible.”

Once the bags adorned with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island stickers were loaded into a van, Millonzi hopped in with his employees for the short drive to West Warwick Manor – much closer than most of the delivery locations, which span the entire state from Aquidneck Island to Woonsocket. At the manor, he and his crew took the elevator to various floors and knocked on doors to deliver the groceries.

“Thank you!” said Jason Plante, who was in a wheelchair when he answered the door. Because he has a rare neurological disorder, he called the food delivery “tremendous,” adding, “without this, I wouldn’t be getting the fresh produce I need.”

Across the hall, Jackie Rajotte received her bag and said, “It helps because our food stamps don’t go as far as they should. With the economy now, it’s even worse.”

Food delivery is a standard benefit of BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP), a Medicare Advantage plan for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. About 1,000 members take advantage of the delivery, which was expanded to twice a month for October through December. Over the period, an additional 2,000 vulnerable members are getting the food delivered monthly.

In addition, Millonzi is distributing 6,000 turkeys on behalf of Blue Cross. Most were for Thanksgiving, including about half that went to members and were the centerpiece of meals with all the fixings, including Millonzi’s homemade gravy and cranberry sauce. The rest went to community-based organizations to distribute. Some of the turkeys will go to families for Christmas and again be distributed by community organizations, including Project Hand Up in West Warwick.

Despite all the meals he delivers, Millonzi still digresses from talking about logistics to recounting his sadness at seeing long lines for free food. It’s those qualities, said Cummings, that made partnering with Millonzi a natural.

“It’s such a powerful combination – his personal passion and commitment,” she said. “It’s exactly what we needed. I’m so proud to call him a partner, but he’s really become an integral member of our network.”

Anyone interested in learning whether they are eligible for BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP) and the grocery delivery benefit may call (401) 459-5477 or 1-855-430-9293 (TTY: 711) or visit bcbsri.com/medicare/duals. Information can also be obtained at a Your Blue Store location (Warwick, Cranston, East Providence and Lincoln).