Donations to Give A Meal Hunger Campaign to be matched 2-for-1 by Bank of America; Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to Benefit

WHAT:
To address the hunger crisis, Bank of America and Feeding America are teaming up this fall to raise awareness — and support — for hunger relief through Give A Meal. Through this program, you can help support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona in the fight against hunger in our community. For every $1 you donate, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will give $2 more. Donations can be made at www.bankofamerica.com/give.

WHEN:
Give A Meal runs through December 31, 2014.

WHERE:
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, 3003 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson

WHY:

Many people living throughout Southern Arizona are hard-working Americans who have experienced a loss of income and face the challenge of choosing between providing food for their families or paying their utility bills. In Arizona, more than 450,760 children are considered “food insecure.” Currently, 1 in 5 Arizonans, 1 in 4 children and 1 in 7 seniors live in poverty. 2 million Arizonans are considered working poor, living at or below the Federal Poverty Guideline. Helping individuals meet immediate needs is essential to our community’s growth and success.

Additional Background
The increased demand for hunger relief amidst declining financial support and reduced food donations is an issue around the country and in our own community. Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is excited to partner with Bank of America and Feeding America to work toward a solution to this problem through initiatives like the Give A Meal program. Alleviating hunger is a critical first step in helping people achieve economic stability, ultimately leading to long-term success.
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
• Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona distributes enough food every day for 63,400 meals.
• Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona distributed more than 27 million pounds of food to hungry Southern Arizonans last year through partnerships with more than 310 charities in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima and Santa Cruz counties.
• Tucson has the 6th highest poverty rate for “large U.S. metropolitan areas.” 1 in 4 children in Arizona is at risk for hunger.
• 97 cents of every $1 raised goes directly to food and programs.
• For every $1 donated, the food bank can distribute about 4 meals.
• 77% of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s $12 million budget comes from donations, events and foundation grants.

MEDIA CONTACT: For Bank of America: Steve Carr, The Kur Carr Group, Inc., (602) 317-3040; scarr@fastq.com