he Chattanooga Area Food Bank has been selected by the Ironman Foundation as one of three organizations nationally to host Ironman athletes for a day of volunteering. Three days prior to the Ironman Chattanooga event, on Thursday, 40 Ironman Foundation-Newton Running Ambassador Team athletes will not only assist with CAFB warehouse efforts, but will also deliver donated shoes from Newton Running and reading glasses and sunglasses from Foster Grant.
“As a local organization that has such a positive impact on the Chattanooga community, we feel that partnering with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank is a perfect fit,” said Ironman Foundation Program Coordinator Julianne Newman.
Leading a network of over 300 partners in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank works to eliminate hunger and promote better nutrition in a 20-county service region. Every year, hundreds of volunteers help with food sorting and packing, office assistance, truck driving, and special events at the CAFB. By working with the Food Bank, volunteers have the opportunity to join in the fight against the causes of hunger, and to effect a change seen in the community.
“Eliminating hunger calls for more than money and resources. It calls for people and energy,” said CAFB Director of Operations Melissa Blevins. “With the help of volunteers, CAFB is able to serve more than 25,000 people each week. We thank the Ironman Foundation and the volunteer athletes for using their race journey to give back to the Chattanooga community.”
The Ironman Foundation-Newton Running Ambassador Team includes Ironman athletes from all over North America, ranging from elite triathletes to first-time Ironman racers. They are united by one common goal: to leave a positive and lasting impact in Ironman race communities through service projects and fundraising. In addition to completing a service project, athletes fundraise a minimum of $1,000 each, which is also donated back to the race communities.