Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Announces Year-Long Observance of 40th Anniversary

LOS ANGELES, CA, February 22, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank launched a year-long observance of its 40th anniversary today with a city proclamation marking Feb. 20 as "Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Alleviate Hunger Day." The Food Bank has served one billion pounds of food to the hungry in Los Angeles County since its humble inception in Pasadena by cook Tony Collier in 1973.

On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, the Food Bank recognizes and thanks two of its largest corporate supporters:
• Ralphs, which has provided 34 million pounds of food to the Los Angeles Food Bank since 2002, helps lead the 40th fundraising campaign with a $150,000 donation and continues to support the Food Bank's volunteer program.
• The Walt Disney Company, as part of its Magic of Healthy Living program, has presented a $100,000 donation to support the BackPack program - providing nutritious food for six meals for children over the weekend - to help launch the 40th initiative. The company also provides regular volunteer support, including its annual Family Volunteer Day.

The Food Bank is also challenging L.A. county residents to aid the cause with a 40 Things You Can Do list of simple acts to help. If the 9.8 million residents of Los Angeles exercised their "Power of One," we could ensure that all of our neighbors have food on the table.

One man started what has become a lifeline for one million people annually, including 400,000 children and 100,000 seniors. Today, the Food Bank - the second oldest in the nation - distributes 1 million pounds of food every week, enough for 830,000 meals. It serves all of L.A. County, 4,000 square miles with the largest population of any county in the nation. One out of every six people in Los Angeles County experiences hunger and, to date, the Food Bank has served more than 1 billion pounds of food.

The Food Bank has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with food distribution increasing 70 percent since 2007. However, the need is not diminishing. While the Food Bank currently services 653 agencies (through 1,078 programs and distribution sites), another 600+ agencies are on a waiting list. An estimated 700,000 people in the greater L.A. remain food insecure ... meaning they go hungry and need our help!

The Food Bank has been recognized by Feeding America for Organizational Efficiency as measured by "Meals Distributed per Dollar" and "Program Expenses Percent of Operating Expenses" as part of the Excellence in Food Banking initiative. 97 percent of cash and in-kind donations go directly to programs.

From large corporate sponsorship to a modest contribution ($1 provides four meals), to packing food for distribution (32,000 volunteers assist annually), to just being conscious of your own food usage (40 percent of food purchased in the U.S. each year goes to waste), we can all make a difference!

Commented Michael Flood, president & CEO of the Food Bank, "What started as an individual act of kindness has led to the distribution of one billion pounds of food to men, women and children throughout Los Angeles County. And yet, there continues to be so much more to do. We all need to address hunger in our community each and every day. We challenge all in L.A. County to imagine what it might be like not to have enough food for your own child and to do just one thing this year to help alleviate hunger."

Added Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, "The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is a shining example of what can be done when businesses, community leaders and individuals come together. If we all take just one step - whether making a cash contribution, volunteering or advocating for the Food Bank - we will positively impact even more lives."

About Los Angeles Regional Food Bank:
For 40 years, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has worked to mobilize resources in the community to alleviate hunger. With a vision that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles County, the Food Bank has distributed 1 billion pounds of food since its inception. It provides food to 1 million people and in 2012 distributed 51 million pounds of food. The Food Bank collects food from hundreds of resources, which - with the help of 32,000 volunteers annually - it distributes through a network of 653 partner agencies at 1,078 distribution and program sites. 97 percent of monies raised and in-kind donations go directly to programs. The Food Bank has been recognized by Feeding America for Organizational Efficiency as measured by "Meals Distributed per Dollar" and "Program Expenses Percent of Operating Expenses," as part of the Excellence in Food Banking initiative. For more information or to get involved, visit: http://www.lafoodbank.org

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank:
Jennifer Errico - 323-234-3030, Ext. #134 / jerrico@lafoodbank.org

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