Feeding America announced today that the Caterpillar Foundation is committing $1.5 million to help bring more food to people in need in dozens of communities across the country. In all, 35 local Feeding America food banks will receive grants to help ensure a steady stream of food – including more fresh produce - to those struggling with hunger in the communities they serve.
A portion of the donation will also go towards helping Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization, increase the number of meals it brings to people through the organization's nationwide network of food banks.
"We are grateful for the generous support of the Caterpillar Foundation and their commitment to making sure that everyone has enough food on their table," said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America."We know that we can't solve hunger alone – we have to work together. It's a shame that in our 'land of plenty' there are so many people around us who wonder how they will feed themselves or their families."
"Thanks to the support of our partners like Caterpillar, we can do all that we can to make sure there is a steady stream of healthful food for everyone," Aiken said.
The donation is especially important as Feeding America looks to increase the number of meals they help secure for families and individuals. Last year, the Feeding America network provided assistance to 37 million people struggling with hunger, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. However, the organization has set a goal to deliver an additional 1 billion more meals annually by 2018 - the grant from the Caterpillar Foundation will help achieve that goal.
"As we work to alleviate poverty, we cannot ignore the high percent of Americans who are hungry. We cannot address the root causes of poverty, nor put people on the path to prosperity without this." Michele Sullivan, President, Caterpillar Foundation.
Food insecurity continues to remain high in the United States. According to the USDA, 49 million people in the US struggle with hunger, including 16 million children. To find the Feeding America food bank in your area, go to: www.feedingamerica.org
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
the Caterpillar Foundation
Caterpillar Inc. supports the philanthropic efforts of the Caterpillar Foundation. Founded in 1952, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed more than $550 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by providing program support in the areas of environmental sustainability, access to education and basic human needs. To learn more about the global impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, please visit www.caterpillar.com/foundation.
