Delta Dental of Minnesota Sends 45,000 Toothbrushes to Food Shelves Throughout Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (June 4, 2021) – To celebrate National Smile Month in June, Delta Dental of Minnesota is distributing 45,000 toothbrushes to 20 food shelves across the state. Using the hashtag #SmilePower, this Delta Dental of Minnesota campaign reaches organizations doing important work for the communities most in need of oral health supplies.

Delta Dental of Minnesota is committed to strengthening the communities it serves, as well as improving oral health and overall health. The donations reach the Twin Cities region as well as greater Minnesota, including Bemidji where Delta Dental of Minnesota has its technology and call center, as well as North Dakota and Nebraska. The food shelf partners provide support to the most vulnerable communities.

“At Delta Dental of Minnesota, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile,” said Rod Young, CEO and President at Delta Dental of Minnesota. “National Smile Month is an annual recognition of the importance of oral health and its link to overall health.”

“Food and oral health go hand in hand,” said Dr. Eileen Crespo, Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. “These food shelf programs provide nutrition for those who otherwise wouldn’t have sufficient access. In addition, these individuals do not have sufficient access to oral health resources. It is a proven medical fact that good oral health is directly related to your overall health.”

Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, demand for emergency food assistance across Minnesota has hit historic highs. One of Delta Dental of Minnesota’s donation recipients, Second Harvest Heartland, is working to respond to this increased need. Our country’s economic challenge has resulted in the need for food assistance for many families who have never sought food assistance before.

“As much as we wish the end of the COVID-era hunger surge were in sight, we still have a few tough years in front of us,” said Allison O’Toole, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest Heartland. “It took more than a decade to undo the growth in hunger that followed the Great Recession. Now, we’re facing down an even bigger challenge as we struggle to rebuild after COVID. We appreciate our partners, like Delta Dental of Minnesota, coming together to ensure everyone is fed and well.”

About Delta Dental of Minnesota

Delta Dental of Minnesota is an independent, nonprofit health services company that serves the oral health needs of Minnesota and North Dakota residents. Since 1969, Delta Dental of Minnesota has accomplished this mission by providing the best access across the state to oral health care through affordable dental plans. Delta Dental of Minnesota is an authorized licensee of the Delta Dental Plans Association of Oak Brook, Illinois. To learn more, visit DeltaDentalMN.org.