Perdue Collects 9,395 lbs. to Strike Out Hunger
Building on a company commitment to fighting hunger in our communities, Perdue is sponsoring the 2011 "Strike Out Hunger" South Atlantic League All-Star Game at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on behalf of the three Feeding America-affiliated food banks serving Delmarva.
The associated "Strike Out Hunger" Campaign, which will run until the June 21 game, is focused on raising food donations and funds, and encouraging volunteer efforts all across Delmarva to benefit the three food banks.
As Andrea Williams, vice president and controller of Perdue Foods and Maryland Food Bank Advisory Board member, explains, "The 'Strike Out Hunger' campaign is a community effort. It's not a Perdue effort alone, but our associates stepped up to encourage the rest of Delmarva to join Perdue, the Shorebirds and our food banks to strike out hunger on Delmarva. This shows what can happen when people combine their efforts to help the hungry in our communities."
The two-week food drive engaged associates from Perdue facilities on Delmarva. Associates were able to donate enough food to the three food banks combined to provide more than 7,200 meals for families and individuals on Delmarva.
On April 12, associate volunteers helped unload and sort 3,638 pounds of donated items to the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank in Salisbury.
"For 25 years, Perdue has been dedicated to the support of the Maryland Food Bank's mission," said Eastern Shore branch manager Jennifer Small. "This is another example of that relationship."
The Eastern Shore branch of the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia received 1,218 pounds of food, all from the Perdue Accomac processing plant associates.
"I am truly proud and excited for the Accomac Processing Plant and all of their associates. In a relatively short amount of time they collected over 1,200 pounds of food," said branch manager Charmin Horton. "We are very grateful to Perdue for all of the support they give to the food bank, not only during this 'Strike Out Hunger' campaign, but throughout the year."
In Delaware, associates, including those at the Georgetown and Milford plants, donated 4,539 pounds of food, which benefitted the Food Bank of Delaware.
"I was amazed how the Perdue team jumped up and started collecting," said Food Bank of Delaware Milford Branch Manager Crystal Timmons. "They showed us how working as a team makes things so much stronger. The Food Bank of Delaware is blessed to have so many partners stepping up to the plate for 'Strike Out Hunger.'"
If you or your organization would like to get involved in the Strike Out Hunger campaign, contact the Shorebirds or one of the three participating food banks.
For more information on the Strike Out Hunger All-Star Game and the campaign visit the "2011 South Atlantic League 'Strike Out Hunger' All-Star Game" page on Facebook.
Our commitment to helping fight hunger
At Perdue, we believe that in a country as rich in resources as ours, no one should have to go hungry. That's why Perdue is a partner with Feeding America (formerly known as America's Second Harvest) in their efforts to end hunger. Feeding America honored Perdue as a New Donor of the Year and as a Protein Donor of the Year. We have pledged a minimum annual donation of five million servings to America's Second Harvest for distribution to community food banks and pantries.