American Airlines Donates 350,000 Prepared Meals to Hungry Americans

Contact:
Susan Hofer, 312-263-2303, ext. 138
Todd Burke, American Airlines, 817-967-1577

America's Second Harvest benefits from Airline's service changes

Chicago, IL -- December 20, 2001 -- America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest hunger-relief charity, today announced it had received 350,000 frozen entrees and sandwiches from American Airlines' food service facilities in major hub cities across the country. The frozen, prepared meals will be distributed to America's Second Harvest's food banks and food-rescue organizations in Illinois, Georgia, California, New York, Texas and Florida during the next few days. The meals will be available for distribution to hungry people during and immediately after the holiday season.

"In the weeks since the tragedies of September 11, we have seen many changes in our economy and our nation. Certainly the airline industry and American Airlines in particular has coped with more than its share of these challenges. American's generosity in making this donation goes above and beyond our expectations. We, and the hungry people we serve, say thank you," said Robert H. Forney, President and CEO of America's Second Harvest.

American Airlines is making this donation to America's Second Harvest after changes in its onboard meal policy throughout its domestic system. The food being donated to America's Second Harvest was prepared for use in the main cabin on domestic flights. According to American Airlines, the food served onboard its aircraft has a limited shelf life, and at the current rate of consumption, these meals would have gone to waste.

"American Airlines has a proud history of assisting with the needs of citizens in the communities that we serve. As part of our Proud to be American campaign, this donation to America's Second Harvest will help thousands of people in need during this holiday season."
 Patrick O'Keeffe, Managing Director of food and beverage for American Airlines.
Throughout the America's Second Harvest network, hunger-relief organizations are reporting increases in demand far above what they expected to see during this holiday season. While many of its affiliated organizations report donations at levels equal to or higher than last year, America's Second Harvest is concerned that the increased demand, coupled with the slowing economy means there won't be enough food to meet the needs of families seeking help. Protein and prepared meal items are in particular demand throughout the network and the hundreds of thousands of prepared meals donated by American Airlines will be welcome at feeding centers and food pantries across the country.