Feeding America - Hunger News

New Report: More Than 49 Million Americans At Risk Of Hunger

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:25:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA) reported today that 49 million Americans, including nearly 17 million children, are food insecure. The 2009 report on Household Food Insecurity in the United States paints an alarming picture of the pervasiveness of hunger in our nation.

This is an increase of 36 percent over the numbers released one year by the USDA, which found that 36.2 million American were at risk of hunger.“It is tragic that so many people in this nation of plenty don’t have access to adequate amounts of nutritious food,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “Although these new numbers are staggering, it should be noted that these numbers reflect the state of the nation one year ago, in 2008. Since then, the economy has significantly weakened, and there are likely many more people struggling with hunger than this report states.

The new data reinforces recent findings from a research study conducted by Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-relief organization, reflecting a dramatic increase in requests for emergency food assistance from food banks across the country.

Conducted in September, the Feeding America study shows that its network food banks experienced an average increase in need of nearly 30 percent this year. While the numbers vary geographically, some food banks are reporting increases of more than 50 percent in requests for emergency food assistance over a year prior.

“National socio-economic indicators, including the escalating unemployment rate and the number of working-poor, lead us to believe that the number of people facing hunger will continue to rise significantly over the coming year,” added Escarra. “Research on previous economic recessions indicates that people who fall into the grips of poverty in a time of recession do not recover financially. Many of those people are likely to be in need of our services now or in the future.

“Feeding America’s 200 food banks continue to work on the front lines feeding more than 25 million people each year, through our country’s food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency feeding centers – more than 63,000 agencies in total,” said Escarra. “These establishments, many of which are grass root and faith based centers operated solely by volunteers, serve as an oasis for the more than 4 million people who seek relief weekly to help feed themselves and their families. Emergency food assistance is a critical link in the nation’s response chain to help people through times of crisis.”

Escarra observes, “Our network food banks are calling us every day, telling us that demand for emergency food is higher than it has ever been in our history. 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.”

Chinet® Brand and Feeding America® Partner with Marcia Cross to Relieve Hunger

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Amid family gatherings and festive meals, many Americans won’t realize that one in eight people in this country will spend the holidays wondering how they’ll find their next meal. To help address the hunger problem, Chinet^® brand and Feeding America^®, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, are partnering with actress Marcia Cross to launch Grateful Platefuls, an online initiative to raise awareness for hunger relief, while encouraging customers to reflect on the things that make them grateful.

Through Grateful Platefuls, Huhtamaki, makers of Chinet, will donate $100,000 to Feeding America, which will provide 700,000 meals to Americans at risk of hunger. Consumers can help activate the donation by sharing what they’re grateful for at Facebook.com/myChinet. At the site, visitors can customize their message by selecting a plate for serving up their gratitude, and have the option to upload a photo. Every “grateful” entry submitted on the Grateful Plateful Facebook page will activate a donation of seven meals to Feeding America.

“There is so much to be grateful for during the holidays and we need to recognize the opportunities we have to give to others,” said Cross. “I encourage people to visit the Grateful Platefuls page on Facebook and share their gratitude, because it only takes a few clicks of a mouse to make a real difference in the lives of people in need.”

"We're glad to have the support of Marcia Cross in raising awareness for the critical need of hunger relief,” said Julie Stoetzer, marketing manager for Huhtamaki, the makers of Chinet. "Feeding America has a long history of helping those at risk of hunger and we are optimistic that consumers will take this opportunity, not only to help others, but also to reflect on how fortunate they are and contribute in other ways."

(1) Facebook is a trademark of Facebook, Inc.

Feeding America, General Mills, SUBWAY® Restaurants and NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” Win 2009 PR News Award for Pound For Pound Challenge

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:18:00 GMT

Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, General Mills, SUBWAY® and NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” today announced that they were awarded PR News’ Nonprofit PR Award in the category of Corporate and Nonprofit Partnerships for their Pound For Pound Challenge campaign, which helped Americans lose weight while providing help to Americans struggling with hunger. The highly coveted Nonprofit PR Awards are bestowed annually to celebrate outstanding achievements and to put a spotlight on best practices in the PR industry.

Presented on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 during an awards luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the PR News Nonprofit Awards Program is solely dedicated to honoring the most talented communicators and teams in the nonprofit sector. The Nonprofit PR Awards are presented by the leading publication PR News and are judged by a blue-chip panel of communications experts.

The Pound For Pound Challenge encouraged individuals to participate in the campaign by signing up at www.pfpchallenge.com to pledge their weight loss goals. For every pound pledged, partners donated the equivalent of one pound of food to Feeding America. More than 3.5 million pounds were pledged.

Through the donations for weight loss, partners helped secure millions of pounds of groceries for Americans in need.

“This campaign was a significant landmark for us in the cause-marketing arena,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “The campaign raised funds both nationally and locally; reached a record-setting audience of more than 17 million homes during “The Biggest Loser’s” season finale; and promoted the Feeding America message on more than 150 million General Mills foods, including Yoplait Light®, Cheerios®, Fiber One® and Green Giant®.”

The Corporate and Nonprofit Partnership category of PR News’ Nonprofit PR Awards recognizes outstanding alliances with a corporate entity in one year’s time, with an eye towards exceeding the stated mission of the partnership.

“Our partnership with Feeding America, SUBWAY® and “The Biggest Loser” exceeded our expectations,” said John Haugen, Vice President of Health & Wellness for General Mills. “We’re working together to help people lose weight and also generate awareness and support for those in their communities struggling with hunger. Plans are already underway to launch a second year of the Pound For Pound Challenge with additional companies approaching us hoping to increase the program’s reach by offering their support.”

“The Pound For Pound Challenge marks our first and primary cause-marketing campaign in partnership with a national nonprofit organization and major corporate donor since the debut of our reality TV show, “The Biggest Loser,” said Mark Koops, Managing Director of Reveille. “Our combined forces allowed us to shed light and make a positive impact on two very sobering problems: obesity and hunger in America. We can and will beat these issues by working together to create a healthier America.”

The increased demand for food-assistance among America’s food banks coupled with the growing number of partners eager to make a difference has led to the launch of a second year of the Challenge to be announced during the show’s Season 8 Finale on December 8, 2009. Feeding America, General Mills, SUBWAY®, NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and a team of new partners will officially kick off the Challenge once again during Season 9 of “The Biggest Loser,” which premieres January 5, 2010.

The partnership among Feeding America, General Mills, SUBWAY® and “The Biggest Loser” was one of six other finalists that were nominated to win the PR News Nonprofit PR Award in the category of Corporate and Nonprofit Partnerships.

Other finalists included: Entergy Corporation and Teach for America; Galloway Group & Saunders Construction: Building Confidence in Kids; Honeywell, The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children & Peppercom: Got 2B Safe; Jiffy Lube, AHA & Cone: Maintenance Partners for Life; Qorvis Communications, Keep America Beautiful & Phillip Morris USA: Cigarette Litter Prevention Program; and, Yum! Brands & United Nations World Food Programme: World Hunger Relief Movement.

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 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.

# # #

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.”

###

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