For the fourth year in a row, Walmart, Bimbo Bakeries USA and Tyson Foods have joined forces to help end hunger across the United States.
Coronavirus hit Chattanooga Area Food Bank especially hard this year, with one in five people – including one in four children – projected to be at risk for hunger due to the pandemic. This represents a projected 40 percent increase in overall food insecurity and a more than 50 percent increase for children. The three companies donated 55,000 pounds of food – equating to 45,833 meals – to Chattanooga Area Food Bank through a partnership with Feeding America.
Representatives from each of the organizations visited Chattanooga Area Food Bank Monday to deliver the donation and tour the facility. As part of this partnership, Walmart, Bimbo Bakeries USA and Tyson Foods donated 15,000 pounds of bread and 40,000 pounds of protein that will be given to individuals and families over the coming weeks.
“The summer months are always a struggle for food banks, with children out of school and donations lighter because of vacations, said Melissa Blevins, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “2020 has been extra difficult because of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re seeing more families – those who never thought they’d be in this situation – coming in for help. We cannot thank our corporate partners enough for this generous donation during these trying times.”
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank and its more than 200 partner agencies serve a 7,000 square mile area. The Food Bank responded to an initial 30 percent increase in the need for services at the same time disruptions to the national food supply chain compromised its ability to access products. The Food Bank continues to provide assistance to anyone in need of food and is preparing for thousands more people who will continue to be affected by the pandemic’s economic impact for months or years to come.
Through its partnerships and individual donations, Feeding America – the largest domestic hunger relief organization in the United States – provides food to millions of Americans through a network of 200 member food banks and 60,000 partner agencies.