America's Second Harvest Announces 2004 Hunger's Hope Awards

Coca-Cola, Alberton's Snag Corporate Awards

Baltimore, Md. --- September 13, 2004 --- At its annual conference, America's Second Harvest, the Nation's Food Bank Network, and the largest charitable hunger-relief organization, announced the winners of this year's Hunger's Hope Awards.  The Donor of the Year Award was presented to the Coca-Cola Company.  The National Retailer of the Year Award goes to Albertsons for the second year in a row.  Recognized for distinguished service to its service areas was America's Second Harvest affiliate, The Food Bank For New York City. This year's award winners contributed to providing almost 2 billion pounds of emergency food assistance to more than 23 million hungry Americans.

The Excellence Awards were created to honor the most outstanding donor organizations, food banks and food rescue organizations in our network. These three recipients have risen above their everyday purpose of feeding hungry people; their efforts to improve their communities exemplify the best practices of our network.
Donor of the Year – Coca-Cola Company

The Donor of the Year Award is presented each year to a corporate partner that makes an extraordinary donation of time, money and/or food to the network of more than 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations that make up America's Second Harvest.

Donor of the Year:

The Coca-Cola Company has been a partner of America's Second Harvest for over 10 years. In the past year, their donations of brands such as Minute Maid, Powerade, Dasani, Fruitopia, Nestea, and Hi-C have served over 128 member food banks across the country, distributing more than 16 million pounds of food and beverages.  They bring to us nutritionally valuable 100% juice and juice product that is a necessary part of a balanced meal for all those we serve, the elderly, our children and adults. Coca-Cola has been a supporter of our disaster relief efforts by donating product during times of need, both during the events of 911 and most recently, Hurricane Charlie. When America's Second Harvest members faced transportation limitations, Coca Cola also aided in shipping donated product to places in need.  Coca-Cola was one of the first companies to embrace our new online donation system, DonorExpress, and serves as an advocate for other companies to take part in donating online.

Coca-Cola has made a tradition of giving back to the community, and they do it in many different ways. The Coca-Cola Company constantly strives to be the best neighbor possible by strengthening our communities- the places their employees, customers and consumers call home.

Retailer of the Year

Albertsons is one of the network's top ten food donors, donating over 23 million pounds of food in 2003.  Albertsons, Inc. companies Jewel Osco and Acme Stores divisions have also provided incredible support of our hunger relief efforts.  Check Out Hunger, National Hunger Awareness Day, Hunger Walk and Hunger Knows No Season are just a few of the cause marketing programs that Albertsons companies participate in.

In 2004, Albertsons will pilot Fresh Rescue, a meat and dairy recovery program, in each of its divisions.  Through cause marketing programs, food donations and financial support Albertsons continues to show their dedication to helping end hunger.

Affiliate of the Year

Last year, The Food Bank for New York City increased its food distribution 10%, bringing a total of 67 million pounds of food to a network of 1100 agencies throughout the five boroughs.  100 of these agencies were newly recruited in the last year. By coordinating pick-ups with City Harvest, the Food Bank for New York City has doubled its number of fresh produce pick-ups from their local Hunts Point Produce market.  They distributed close to 10 million pounds of fresh produce.

Due to their fund development strategies such as FeedNYC.org and Matching Projects to Funders, the Food Bank increased its revenue by 41%.  Most exciting are the unique ways in which the food bank joined cooperative efforts with other local agencies.  Through information and product sharing, the food bank effectively positions itself as part of a collaborative effort to end hunger.

Innovative campaigns such as NYC Bank-to-Bank Partnership allow food bank to coordinate media outreach and volunteer and fundraising efforts with other local hunger relief agencies.  Their commitment to their clients still rises above all else. A toll free 24-hour telephone referral service, allowed the food bank to assist over 2200 people in need of assistance.  Special needs program such as faith- based and bilingual services have also increased their capacity to serve a diverse range of clients.  Dr. Lucy Cabrera and her staff at the Food Bank for New York City have are an incredible asset to the America's Second Harvest Network.

National Conference

America's Second Harvest's National Conference continues through September 14, and is being held at the Wyndham Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel, 101 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, Md.  The phone number is 410-752-1100.

The annual anti-hunger conference brings together people representing every state in the country including anti-hunger leaders, policymakers, and industry representatives.   America's Second Harvest and its network of affiliated organizations provide emergency food aid to 23.3 million Americans and distribute almost two billion pounds of food and grocery products each year.