U.S. Foodservice's "Full Plates, Full Lives(TM)" To Benefit America's Second Harvest Food Banks
Campaign to raise $1 million in support of America’s Second Harvest’s mission to end hunger
CHICAGO --- May 12, 2008 --- U.S. Foodservice has announced plans for a major corporate campaign with a goal to donate a total of $1 million in funds and products to America’s Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network and its member food banks as a result of its “Full Plates, Full Lives” campaign. The program engages U.S. Foodservice associates and their communities to contribute to the fight against hunger in a number of ways, such as the purchase of its Recipes from the Heart™ cookbook, involvement in its inaugural “Drive Away Hunger” golf tournament, and participation in its local food drives and fundraising events.
“At U.S. Foodservice we know food, and we understand the bounty food brings. Yet in America, a staggering one out of 10 people live with constant uncertainty about the source of their next meal” said Bob Aiken, President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Foodservice. “That is why we have partnered with America’s Second Harvest, the largest charitable hunger-relief organization in the country, to help bring food to those in need.”
Recipes from the Heart™ is a 336-page cookbook filled with more than 350 delicious recipes, together with many heartwarming stories from the hearts and kitchens of associates of U.S. Foodservice. The price is $24.99 with net sale proceeds donated directly to America’s Second Harvest to help end hunger in America. By purchasing a copy today, people can join the fight against hunger. Preview or purchase the book at www.FullPlatesFullLives.com.
The inaugural “Drive Away Hunger” golf tournament is a national effort to unite some of the largest food companies in the U.S. to help feed the hungry. On September 15, 2008, participants will play a course at Eaglewood Resort and Spa or Medinah Country Club in Chicago, IL. All net proceeds from that event will be donated to America’s Second Harvest.
Additionally, the more than 70 U.S. Foodservice divisions across the country will hold a food drive to provide community food banks with much-needed items. At the same time, U.S. Foodservice associates are committed to an ongoing employee giving campaign with donations directed to local member food banks across the country.
“We are thrilled to have U.S. Foodservice on board with us as we continue our fight against hunger,” said Vick Escarra, president and CEO of America’s Second Harvest. “If more companies like U.S. Foodservice engage their employees and communities in the issue of hunger, think of the endless amount of food we could provide to those who need it most.”
Each year, America’s Second Harvest member food banks provide more than 2 billion pounds of food and grocery products to more than 25 million people at risk of hunger– 9 million of whom are children.
To learn more about U.S. Foodservice’s “Full Plates, Full Lives” campaign, please visit: www.FullPlatesFullLives.com .
About U.S. Foodservice
U.S. Foodservice is one of the country's premier foodservice distributors, offering a broad range of products and an array of services to its more than 250,000 customers. The company proudly employs more than 27,000 associates in 70 locations nationwide who are poised to service our customers beyond their expectations. As industry leaders, with access to resources beyond the ordinary, U.S. Foodservice provides the finest quality food and related products to neighborhood restaurants, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, hotels, government entities and other eating establishments. To find out how U.S. Foodservice can be your "partner beyond the plate," please visit the company’s website at www.usfoodservice.com.
America's Second Harvest — The Nation's Food Bank Network is the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through its network of more than 200 member food banks, America's Second Harvest annually provides assistance to more than 25 million people in need, including more than 9 million children and nearly 3 million seniors in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each year, America's Second Harvest secures and distributes more than 2 billion pounds of food and grocery products to support feeding programs at approximately 63,000 local charitable agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs, and Kids Cafes. To learn more, please visit www.secondharvest.org.
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Contact:
Ross Fraser
Office: 312.641.6422
Cell: 312.307.8470
