Feeding America - Hunger News

XEX Hair Gallery hosts Fifth Annual Holiday Benefit for Feeding America and the Greater Chicago Food Depository

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

XEX Hair Gallery is excited to announce its fifth annual holiday benefit on Friday, December 18, 2009, at the Hard Rock Cafe, 63 West Ontario Street, Chicago, at 9:00 pm.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Feeding America and the Greater Chicago Food Depository's efforts to feed Chicago and America's hungry. Festivities include live music by The Gunshy, Ever So Jake, The Furrells and Seeking Wonderland, as well as a silent auction, raffles and door prizes.

Feeding America is the largest charitable hunger-relief organization in the country and a close neighbor to XEX Hair Gallery, which is located just across State Street, in the Leo Burnett Building.

Feeding America helps feed more than 25 million Americans each year. It is able to provide approximately seven meals for every dollar in donation it receives.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is the Chicago’s member of Feeding America. The Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to 500,000 adults and children in Cook County every year. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 58 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 119,000 meals every day.

"As a member of the local community, we feel that part of our responsibility is to help others as much as possible." said David Perry, co-owner of XEX. "Since Gary Mattiazzi and I started XEX five years ago, we have celebrated the season with a party to thank those who have helped us succeed. We have been fortunate to see the event grow and see so many people excited to contribute to these amazing organizations."

XEX has provide over 238,000 plates of food for Feeding America throughout its five years of contributing. Aside from their efforts with the holiday benefit, XEX donates a portion of its proceeds from services all year long to Feeding America. A community page exists on their web site to allow clients to monitor the amount donated on a regular basis.

All are encouraged to join XEX, Feeding America and the Greater Chicago Food Depository at the Hard Rock Cafe, 63 W. Ontario St., on Friday, December 18th at 9:00 pm. It will be a great event with live music, a silent auction and raffles. The benefit will feature live music by Seeking Wonderland, The Furrells, Ever So Jake and The Gunshy. Tickets for the event are available for a minimum donation of $10, though a larger donation is welcome and appreciated. Tickets can be purchased at XEX, 35 West Wacker Drive in the Leo Burnett Building or online at www.xexchicago.com/holiday09.

Feeding America Statement On Report That Nearly Half Of All American Children Will Receive SNAP (Food Stamps)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:52:00 GMT

“Today, more than ever in our country's recent history, the current economic downturn is affecting a cross-section of American families beyond those traditionally categorized as relying on food-stamps assistance. Feeding America has long recognized that hunger abides by no fixed rules and can touch any family at any time, for a variety of reasons.

“Connecting families seeking emergency food assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is a top priority for Feeding America and we applaud any study that brings attention to the issue of hunger in America. The Washington University report underscores that SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger in America, and we share the researchers concerns that millions more individuals and families are eligible for the program than one year ago because of the continued weakening economy.

“The report also reinforces the startling statistic that while only 66 percent of people who are eligible for the program are currently participating, the number of people receiving benefits is at an all time high of more than 35 million people, up 22 percent over a year prior.

“Feeding America commends Congress and the Administration for its diligent efforts in helping low-income Americans put food on the table by providing the largest increase in the history of the SNAP program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. However, the sheer number of people receiving benefits today is tragic and there is much work to be done. We must continue to ensure that low-income families have access to this critical safety net so that they do not go hungry.

“Feeding America will continue to work closely with our partners at USDA to ensure that the public and charitable sectors are keeping pace – as best we can – with the dramatically increasing needs for food assistance.”

Macy's “COME+TOGETHER” Campaign Raises 10 Million Meals For Feeding America Food Banks

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO –Oct. 21, 2009 – Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, today announced that they have received a donation of 10 million meals raised by Macy’s and its customers. The donation was made possible by a partnership between Macy’s and Feeding America called “Come Together,” which launched on Sept. 13.

The “Come Together” campaign urged the public to donate to Feeding America by hosting dinner parties in their homes and asking their guests to contribute to Feeding America in lieu of bringing a host gift or a bottle of wine. Donations were made on macys.com/cometogether or in any Macy’s store, and Macy’s matched those donations dollar for dollar through October 21.

“This innovative awareness and fundraising campaign helped us in many ways,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “’Come Together’” raised awareness of the pervasiveness of domestic hunger. More than 36 million Americans live at risk of hunger – meaning that they do not always know where they will find their next meal. Secondly, it provided a variety of simple easy ways for Americans to help their neighbors by hosting dinner parties, donating on line, donating directly at Macy’s stores, or by attending one of the dozens of fund-raising events held at Macy’s stores. Most importantly, this partnership resulted in a very sizeable donation to Feeding America – the equivalent of more than 10 million meals, coming to our food banks at a time of record-breaking demand. Macy’s matched each dollar donated, dollar to dollar.”

“Macy’s has been a long-time supporter of Feeding America,” said Escarra. “Their ‘Bag Hunger’ volunteer program raised 9.7 million pounds of food this past summer alone.”

"Macy's Come Together campaign for Feeding America created a special reason for family and friends to spend quality time together this fall while supporting a cause that impacts local communities across the country,” said Peter Sachse, Macy’s chief marketing officer. “Providing 10 million meals for the hungry in the U.S. is a remarkable achievement. We thank our customers, communities, business partners and associates who all contributed to the success of this great effort."

The “Come Together” campaign was supported by robust national marketing that included in-store displays, direct mail, print advertising and a television campaign that featured Jessica Simpson, Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, Usher, Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, Tommy Hilfiger and Donald Trump.

Macy’s hosted a dinner party during New York Fashion Week on September 15th in its flagship Herald Square store. The event, hosted by Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse benefitted Feeding America. More than 650 full-line Macy’s stores across the country also participated in the World’s Largest Dinner Party on September 15. Additionally, Macys Culinary Council chefs hosted fundraising dinner parties in more than 30 Macy’s stores throughout campaign.

BJ’s Charitable Foundation Donates $30,000 To Feeding America Food Banks In New Jersey

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Feeding America today announced that they have received a grant of $30,000 from BJ’s Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of BJ’s Wholesale Club. The funds will be used to increase the number of New Jersey residents enrolled in the Food Stamp program.

The funds will be divided among Feeding America’s three network partners in New Jersey: The Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, the Food Bank of South Jersey in Pennsauken and the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in Neptune.

The three Feeding America food banks in New Jersey will use the donation to help fund their Food Stamp Outreach programs aimed at enrolling eligible nonparticipants, with a special emphasis on seniors and the working poor. Feeding America has already made a $50,000 donation for this outreach work in New Jersey.

The USDA estimates that only 67 percent of the people who are eligible for the food stamp program are currently receiving benefits, which means that more than 270,000 New Jersey residents who are eligible are not currently receiving food stamps. The Food Stamp Program is the only federal nutrition program that enables low-income Americans to secure food through normal business channels.

BJ’s is the first retailer to donate funds to Feeding America that are specifically earmarked for Food Stamp Outreach. (The Food Stamp Program is officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in most other states.)

“Far too many Americans – more than 35 million, including six million children – live at risk of hunger,” said Maura Daly, Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy for Feeding America. “The Food Stamp Program is a vital resource for them, and it is imperative that we help get as many eligible Americans enrolled in the program as possible. Many people do not know that they qualify for the program, or they don’t know how to enroll. This new funding from BJ’s Charitable Foundation will help us enroll many people in the program who might otherwise find themselves on the brink of Hunger.”

“BJ’s recognized the diverse financial status and changing needs of Americans, and in April, we became the first wholesale club to expand our payment options by accepting government-issued food stamp benefits at all of our locations,” said Jessica Newman, BJ’s Manager of Community Relations. “With 20 clubs in New Jersey, we are extremely proud to support Feeding America’s efforts to enroll those eligible to receive such benefits as it will positively impact residents’ ability to feed their families.

Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. It provides more than 2.6 billion pounds of food annually through a network of 205 food banks that serve 63,000 food pantries, soup kitchen and other emergency feeding centers.

New Jersey is one of the first states to be selected by Feeding America to develop effective outreach strategies to increase food stamp participation. The other states selected for outreach in fiscal year 2010 are: California, North Carolina, Maryland, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

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12,000+ Kraft Foods Employees in 33 Countries Lend a Hand in First Ever 'Make a Delicious Difference Week'

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Children at Casa Central in Chicago are a little more active. More families in New Jersey have nourishing meals on their plates. Kids in Curitiba, Brazil, have learned about healthy lifestyle habits. More meals have been delivered to community organizations in the U.K. And children in the Philippines impacted by recent flooding received much-needed food. All this -- and much more -- thanks to the helping hands and caring hearts of Kraft Foods employee volunteers in 33 countries.

As part of the company’s first-ever “Make a Delicious Difference Week,” Kraft Foods made an aggressive commitment to rally 10,000 employees around the world to volunteer from Oct. 5 – 10. The global effort was a first of its kind for the company, aiming to engage six times the number of employees than previous efforts.

The challenge was set. And Kraft Foods employees answered – in a big way. With an outpouring of support from more than 12,000 employees around the globe, the company surpassed its original volunteer goal by more than 20 percent. Most importantly, the week-long effort touched the lives of about 600,000 individuals in need. That’s 100,000 more than originally estimated.

And the need is great. According to a report from the National Conference on Citizenship, in the midst of the recession, 72 percent of Americans have cut back on civic participation, which includes the time spent volunteering. Two-thirds say that Americans are responding to the economic downturn by helping themselves. The numbers suggest that the American tradition of volunteering is stalling.

Chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld, who spent time during the week packing and sorting food at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, said, “There’s no doubt that more needs to be done to lessen the impact of the global financial crisis on families around the world. But I’m humbled and inspired by the flood of support from our employees around the globe. They pour their hearts into everything they do -- whether it’s making delicious foods or a delicious difference in their communities.”

Spread the Spirit with the Click of the Mouse

To build on the success of “Make a Delicious Difference Week” and spread the volunteer spirit, Kraft Foods employees have created an online video to encourage more people to get involved by heeding the call of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which just took affect Oct. 1.

Starting today, people can visit www.kraftfoodscompany.com or YouTube (keywords: “delicious difference”) to watch the video. Each time it’s viewed, Kraft Foods will donate money to Feeding America to help provide five meals to those at risk of hunger -- up to 100,000 meals through the end of October.

Projects Around the World Made a Delicious Difference

A veritable smorgasbord of more than 150 company-supported projects took place around the world. The list below provides a taste from the week-long event.

In the Chicago area, more than 1,200 employees volunteered, from packing food for 15,000 hungry people at the Greater Chicago Food Depository to hosting “Olympics” events at Casa Central and Basil Chicago International Charter School.
In New Jersey, hundreds of volunteers packed food at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and weeded community vegetable gardens at Green Chimneys.
In Russia, 200 employees participated in outdoor activities, such as planting at a park, repairing and painting a playground and cultivating school gardens.
In Costa Rica, more than 75 employees cleaned floors, painted walls, shared meals and led games at a foster home for abandoned kids.
In Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru, about 500 volunteers helped more than 4,000 people by leading nutrition and environmental games for 2,500 low-income public school children and teaching classes to encourage entrepreneurship.
In the U.K., dozens of employees cooked and served meals at Cheltenham Open Door and donated and sorted clothing to benefit hundreds of people in need.
In Thailand, about 200 employees helped roughly 100 students at Baan Kut Chiangmi Primary School by sprucing up their kitchen and library, playing active games with students and preparing a nutritious lunch.

And to supplement its employees’ efforts, the Kraft Foods Foundation matched U.S. employee cash contributions to nonprofits on a two-to-one basis throughout the week. Together, the Foundation and company employees donated more than $2 million throughout the week.

Kraft Foods’ Support of Hunger and Healthy Lifestyles

As the second largest food company in the world, Kraft Foods is taking a stand when it comes to fighting hunger and promoting healthy lifestyles. Since 1997, the company has provided more than 1 billion servings of fresh food. Around the world, the company contributes approximately $100 million annually in food and money to community organizations. The company and its foundation committed $180 million in the next three years to community involvement activities around the globe. The expansion of its global employee volunteer efforts though the first global “Make a Delicious Difference Week” is another example of Kraft Foods’ stepped up efforts.

The Kresge Foundation and Feeding America Partner to Fight Hunger in America

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Monday, Feeding America and The Kresge Foundation publically announced a collaborative project to assist member food banks in the acquisition of much-needed refrigerated store donation trucks and refrigerated mobile food pantries to secure and distribute food to the nation’s hungry populations. This announcement comes at a time when demand at local food banks across the nation is up 30 percent over the same period last year.

“Refrigerated trucks are a lifeline for food banks,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “This innovative program with Kresge will allow our food banks to gather donated perishable food from local retail donors. Mobile food pantries are then used to transport both dry goods and perishable food – meat, milk, and other dairy products, directly to those in need of emergency food – whether in remote and rural areas or in urban food deserts. We are proud to be a partner in Kresge’s pioneering of this approach at a time when food banks across the country are urgently seeking more capacity to meet the needs of hungry Americans.”

The Kresge Foundation is providing Feeding America with a five-year, $2.5 million program-related investment to capitalize a loan pool from which food banks can borrow for the purchase of trucks. Maximum loans to food banks will be $150,000 for a vehicle; Food banks can request support for up to two vehicles.

Additionally, Kresge is providing a grant for $2.5 million to provide initial operational costs for the trucks purchased, including driver salaries, fuel and maintenance. Food banks borrowing funds to purchase a new truck will receive a portion of the Kresge grant as a matching grant to cover operational expenses. For example, a food bank purchasing a $140,000 mobile pantry vehicle with a loan made available through this opportunity will receive a grant for $140,000 to provide for initial operating costs.

Funds for as many as 25 trucks and grants will be awarded in the first round of funding.

“This combination of a loan and a grant ensures that Feeding American will have maximum flexibility in meeting needs during these desperately difficult times,” says Rip Rapson, president of The Kresge Foundation. “We are pleased and honored to help this extraordinary network of food banks and mobile pantries do more of what they do best.”

The Kresge truck program differs from other truck grants offered by Feeding America in that it gives the food bank greater control over what type of truck can be purchased. For example, most past truck programs did not include hybrid vehicles.

“We believe that this program’s flexibility will encourage the acquisition of fuel efficient vehicles,” said Escarra. “This program will benefit food banks that may want to acquire trucks that can be used for both retail pick-up and serve as a mobile pantry.”

The truck program also addresses sustainability with a focus on building a fundraising plan for both the capital cost and long-term support of the truck. This program is one of the first for The Kresge Foundation’s new innovative capital fund designed to support strong non-profits through the strategic deployment of capital.

Libby’s Vegetables And Feeding America Host First Virtual Canned Food Drive To Help Hungry Families Get Back To The Table

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This holiday season, Libby’s Vegetables is launching the first-ever team-based Virtual Canned Food Drive to support Feeding America and the increased demand on its network food banks. The online food drive encourages families to form teams and champion their friends and local communities to support them. Families who raise $1,000 or more for Feeding America will get their pantries stocked up with a year’s supply of canned vegetables from Libby’s[i]. In addition, Libby’s Vegetables will match up to $30,000 of donations raised by December 13, 2009, to total 350,000 meals for needy families.

“Libby’s has always been committed to helping families enjoy affordable, great-tasting meals and time together around the table. With many families struggling to put food on the table, together with Feeding America, we're evolving with the digital age to create a virtual canned food drive that makes helping the less fortunate easier than ever,” commented Bruce Wolcott, Vice President of Marketing, Seneca Foods Corporation. “With just a click of a mouse, we can help give families the food they need during these challenging times.”

The current economic climate has had a notable impact on food banks across the country, with 99 percent of Feeding America network food banks experiencing a significant surge in demand for emergency food assistance over the past year. Unfortunately, this increased demand has strongly affected family meals - more than half (56 percent) of food banks reported that they are seeing more children as clients.

“Many Americans are unaware of the large demand for food assistance throughout the country, which has increased 30 percent over the last year and in many communities the increase is much higher,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “We are excited to work with Libby’s Vegetables to launch our first virtual program. Libby’s and Feeding America share a passion for bringing families together over meals, and we hope this program gives everyone an opportunity to support mealtime for families that can no longer provide for themselves.”

To help Feeding America and Libby’s Vegetables meet the increasing strains on area food banks, families are encouraged to participate in the first-ever team-based Virtual Canned Food Drive by visiting GetBacktotheTable.com where they can create a team profile and engage their communities to help hungry families in their area. For every $5 raised, Feeding America provides 35 meals to those in need.

“Libby’s Vegetables is dedicated to helping families connect at the dinner table through easy, nutritious and affordable meals,” explains Total Mom author and mother of seven, Hannah Keeley. “Families who visit GetBacktotheTable.com can check out easy recipes that won’t break the budget and expert tips on how to prep for dinnertime.”

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[i] The prize will be awarded by Libby’s Vegetables in the form of 200 manufacturers coupons good for any Libby’s Vegetables product.

Welch’s Family-Farmer Owners Share Grape Harvest with Feeding America

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:18:00 GMT

Welch’s is aiming to donate one million servings of 100 percent juice to America’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity Feeding America. As the Welch’s Concord and Niagara grape harvests get underway in vineyards across North America, Welch’s is partnering with Feeding America to share the bounty of its harvest with the millions of families nationwide who do not have access to adequate amounts of food to sustain a healthy life. Welch’s family-farmer owners are calling on all families across the country to support their Harvest of Help and reach the target of one million servings, by making a free product donation to Feeding America online at www.welchs.com/harvest.

Welch’s is owned by more than 1,200 family-farmers across North America, who are responsible for growing and harvesting approximately 320,000 tons of Concord and Niagara grapes each year which are pressed to produce Welch’s juices and other grape-based products. Through Harvest of Help, Welch’s family-farmer owners are able to support others in their communities and nationwide who do not always know where they will find their next meal.

“I’m the third generation in my family to be a Welch’s grower-owner, and harvest is an incredibly busy time for me. If I can help others including farmers who are less fortunate, it will make this harvest season that much more important and worthwhile,” explains Jamie Militello, a Welch’s family-farmer owner from Forestville, New York. “If we family-farmer owners can band together to make a contribution to America during these tough economic times and make a difference, there is no better way to remember this year and our harvest.”

“We want to share our harvest with those that need it most, so this partnership with Feeding America was a perfect match for us,” comments Brad Irwin CEO of Welch’s. “People are consuming fewer fruits and vegetables than they were this time last year, which is probably due to the economic recession. We’re aiming to donate a million servings of 100 percent juice because we want to give something healthy back to those families that are struggling to afford nutritious food. Welch’s is known for its 100 percent grape juice made from Concord grapes which helps to support a healthy heart, mind and immune system. We have the power to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate and we hope others will help us reach our goal.”

Welch’s is calling on families across America to join the Harvest of Help by logging on to www.welchs.com/harvest to make a free product donation. For each click until December 31, 2009, Welch’s will donate eight 8-ounce servings of 100 percent juice to Feeding America, with the aim of donating one million servings in total.

“More and more families are struggling with hunger as the economic downturn and rising unemployment take their toll. We are very grateful that Welch’s has chosen to support Feeding America,” comments Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “More than 40 percent of adults helped by programs in Feeding America live in suburban or rural areas, and this generous donation from Welch’s will go towards supporting families in rural and farming communities, as well as others nationwide.”

Statement to Senator Blanche Lincoln

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Honorable Senator Blanche Lincoln
Chair, Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
328-A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Chairwoman Lincoln:

I am writing to congratulate you and to wish you well as you assume your new responsibility as the Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. This important Committee holds the key to ensuring a safe, affordable and plentiful supply of food for our nation and the world, and I am sure it will succeed in this mission under your experienced and able leadership.

I know you are aware of the important services our food banks in Arkansas provide to those facing hunger through your relationship with our hard-working colleagues across the state. I would like to amplify the picture of the role food banks play by sharing the most recent information on the Feeding America network of food banks and the issues we all face in fighting to end hunger in America. Our nationwide network of 205 food banks provide food and support to more than 60,000 local feeding agencies operated by private non-profit charities, religious and other community organizations. These local agencies include food pantries, child nutrition programs, soup kitchens, shelters, and other emergency feeding organization that reach some 25 million low-income people annually.

Along with helping to feed needy people, our network: (1) advocates for nutrition legislation and policies at the national and state level; (2) operates afterschool, summer food and weekend backpack programs for poor children ,and commodity supplemental food programs for low-income seniors, young children and mothers; (3) promotes volunteerism and public awareness about hunger; (4) conducts SNAP (formerly food stamp) outreach and application assistance; (5) raises funding and solicits donations from corporate and private sources, (6) provides logistical support and (7) conducts research and analysis on hunger and nutrition issues.

Some 36.2 million people in America (12.4 million of them children) were facing hunger in 2007, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. This was before the current economic crisis that is leaving millions in this nation without jobs and struggling to put food on their tables. Food banks and emergency feeding agencies are among the first to see the faces of those suffering the ravages of this economic recession.

Over the past 18 months there has been a rapid and steady increase in the number of people seeking emergency food assistance. A survey of our food banks conducted in late August 2009 revealed that virtually all food banks (99%) had experienced a significant surge in demand for emergency food assistance over the past year, with 98% reporting that first time users of food banks were a major source of growth. Ninety-two percent of our food banks reported that they were seeing many more people who had recently lost their jobs.

Thankfully, the economic recovery law (ARRA) enacted by the Congress has helped to get more food to more people through the SNAP and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Yet more continues to be needed as economic conditions continue to worsen, unemployment rises and more people are without jobs for longer periods of time.

In addition to helping those suffering from the impact of the current recession, we have set a legislative goal of improving our nation’s child nutrition programs. Together with other anti-hunger partners, Feeding America is actively advocating passage of child nutrition legislation with enough funding to improve access, quality and coverage for all of our nation’s children, especially those who are at nutritional risk. Feeding America’s priorities for this legislation encompass the importance of nutrition programs for all children but particularly for the millions of low-income children who do not have access to healthy diets, particularly during the summer months, in afterschool care and on weekends and extended holidays.

The expiration of several child nutrition program authorities at the end of FY2009 and the President’s budget request adding $1 billion annually o child nutrition programs offered an excellent legislative opportunity to move forward in meeting President Obama’s goal of ending childhood hunger by 2015. Unfortunately no child nutrition legislation has been acted upon thus far in the first session of the Congress and an extension of the expiring child nutrition programs is expected to keep them operating in FY2010. We hope that only a short term extension will be needed and that under your leadership the Committee will move quickly on the changes to child nutrition programs that will fulfill the promise of finally ending childhood hunger in this nation.

As you face the many challenges before you, I ask that you remember these children and the millions in this nation who are facing hunger and the important role that nutrition plays in the health and well-being of all Americans. Our Public Policy Department and food bank network stand ready to help you and your staff work toward ending hunger in America and to accomplishing child nutrition legislation that will make a difference to our nation’s future. Please do not hesitate to call upon our services if we can be of assistance.

Very best wishes,

President and CEO of Feeding America

Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Benji & Joel Madden, And Jonny Lang Announced To Perform At Feeding America’s “Rock A Little, Feed A Lot” Concert September 29th

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:41:00 GMT

Feeding America is pleased to announce that Grammy Award-winning artist Sheryl Crow, Grammy Award-winning artist Ben Harper, Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, and Grammy Award-winning artist Jonny Lang will all perform at the “Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” concert on Tuesday, September 29th at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, a special concert being held during Hunger Action Month (September) to help raise awareness and funds for the 35 million people who are at risk of hunger in America. Tickets for “Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Miley Cyrus, Rob Thomas and OneRepublic have pre-taped special performances that will be aired during the concert. Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Marcia Cross, Lance Bass, Alison Sweeney and Christina Applegate will be presenters during the concert. Legendary comedian, Garry Shandling, will perform a stand up comedy skit.

“It is so important for everyone across the country to dare to be conscious and aware of the struggles of those around them—even if those struggles are not the same as their own. Feeding America does just that, and it’s a great privilege for me to unite with them in their cause,” said Crow.

“Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” is one of many initiatives in the works for Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month and will benefit both Feeding America and its local member, the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. Hunger Action Month, formed to help those in need, bloomed from a day of service into a month-long campaign as the economy has taken a turn for the worse and the demand for food assistance has increased.

“Many Americans are unaware of the great demand for food assistance throughout the country. The need for food assistance nationwide has increased 30 percent throughout the last year and in many communities the increase is much higher,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “We are excited to team up with so many talented artists to shed light on Hunger Action Month and the issue of hunger in America.”

“We are so grateful for the generous support of these artists -- and residents of Los Angeles -- for their time and efforts to raise awareness about hunger in America,” said Michael Flood, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. “The agencies we serve are experiencing unprecedented demand for food assistance and this event will help shine the bright spotlight of the entertainment community on the issue of hunger in America.”

To take part or learn what is going on in your community during Hunger Action Month, please visit: www.FeedingAmerica.org