Grassroots Gardens Honored as Highmark Community Hero at Oct. 5 Huddle for Hunger Game

Buffalo, N.Y. (October 7, 2025) – As part of the Buffalo Bills' Huddle for Hunger initiative, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield recently honored Grassroots Gardens of Western New York as a Highmark Community Hero during the October 5th game. This recognition not only spotlighted their vital work to thousands of fans but also included a $2,500 donation to further their mission.

Grassroots Gardens of Western New York empowers neighborhood gardeners in Buffalo and Niagara Falls by securing land and providing essential resources for over 100 thriving community and school gardens. Through strategic city leases, school partnerships, and land trust acquisitions, they proactively safeguard valuable community green spaces. This robust, community-driven model directly addresses food insecurity in underserved areas, providing fresh, nutritious produce, fostering cross-cultural connections, and contributing to environmental restoration.

With 2,000 diverse gardeners, they yield an impressive 35,000 pounds of produce annually. Grassroots Gardens further supports its community through free workshops and a strong commitment to principles of community engagement, land stewardship, storytelling, equity, and strategic partnerships, ensuring everyone benefits from gardening

Now in its fifth year, the Highmark Community Hero program champions local individuals and organizations who are making a difference in Western New York. To date, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has invested a total of $80,000 through this program, alongside donating more than 640 tickets to local not-for-profit organizations and their dedicated volunteers.

This season alone, Highmark has already recognized other exemplary Community Heroes, including the BISON Fund, Dr. Leslie Bisson of UBMD, and the Ronald McDonald House.