Join The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival Presented by Food & Wine in The Fight to End Hunger

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since its inception nearly seven years ago, the annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE has raised more than $7.5 million for the nation's leading hunger-relief organizations Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign and Food Bank For New York City.  Though the Festival takes place in October, passionate gourmands, oenophiles and activists across the nation have many opportunities to participate in throughout September to help in the fight to end hunger. 

"Each fall, Food Network is honored to amplify our year-long efforts toward eradicating hunger both here in New York and across the country," said Brooke Johnson, President Food Network & Cooking Channel. "The culinary talent and on-air personalities that generously give their time along with the fans that show-up year after year to fill the events make this weekend one of the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences, one we are always so proud to be associated with."

Purchasing tickets to next month's Festival is an easy way to help with the nationwide fight to end hunger.  Taking place October 16 – 19, 2014, the Festival offers more than 100 different events at a variety of price points to satisfy everyone's taste buds.  Attendees can sip and savor their way through tastings, dinners, parties, and seminars with the world's greatest celebrity chefs, culinary personalities, winemakers, and spirits producers while knowing that 100% of the net proceeds benefit the nation's leading hunger-relief organizations Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry and Food Bank For New York City.  Complete pricing and information can be found at http://nycwff.org or by calling 866.969.2933.  Help us Eat. Drink. End Hunger!

"Thanks to the generosity of the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival and its attendees, No Kid Hungry is making a huge difference in the lives of the one in five kids in this country who struggle with hunger," said Billy Shore, Share Our Strength's CEO and founder. "Since the campaign's launch, we've connected kids in need with over 107 million more meals, but there is still work to be done. Hunger is a solvable issue, and this month, we're showing people how easy it is to be a part of the solution."  

All month, people can dine out at any of thousands of restaurants nationwide supporting No Kid Hungry, make a contribution and take advantage of promotions, coupons and rewards in return for doing good. Every dollar raised feeds a child in need up to 10 nutritious meals – including the most important meal of the day: breakfast.

Studies have shown that kids who eat breakfast have better attendance, improve in math, and are more likely to graduate from high school, setting them up for future success. However, as children begin the new 2014 school year, far too many are opening their textbooks on an empty stomach; just over half of kids who qualify for a free school lunch are also receiving breakfast. No Kid Hungry works is working to change that, with a goal of connecting 1 million more kids with school breakfast over the next two years.

Funds from the Festival not only assist to help fight hunger on a national level, but also serve its immediate surrounding community.  "Because of the extraordinary support of the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, the culinary community and Festival attendees, Food Bank For New York City is able to provide millions of meals to New Yorkers in need," said Margarette Purvis, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City.  "Since its inception, the Festival has helped raise awareness of and much-needed funds for a devastating and often overlooked issue, hunger in America, which impacts 2.6 million New Yorkers. But there is still much to do, which is why this month Food Bank launched Go Orange to End Hunger™."

Go Orange to End Hunger™ is Food Bank's citywide call to action for all New Yorkers to get involved and take action against hunger.  Through Food Bank For New York City, corporations, restaurants, retailers, volunteers, celebrities, and the public are Going Orange during September's Hunger Awareness Month with a number of citywide Go Orange efforts, which kicked off on September 1^st. On Sunday, September 28^th the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival will be showcased at Food Bank's 1^st Annual Urban Adventure. A full list of Go Orange to End Hunger ™ activations can be found at GoOrange.org.

Nearly one in five New Yorkers relies on Food Bank For New York City's programs and services. This year's launch of Go Orange To End Hunger™ comes on the heels of Federal cuts to the food stamp program (SNAP) that took 76 million meals off the tables of low-income New Yorkers this past November.  These efforts will go a long way to make sure those meals are put back on the table, tonight and every night. 

About the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE
The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival is hosted by and benefits the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry, with 100% of the Festival's net proceeds helping fight hunger.  Southern Wine & Spirits of New York is the exclusive provider of wine and spirits at the Festival.  More information about the Festival can be found at www.nycwff.org.   

About Food Bank For New York City
Food Bank For New York City recognizes 31 years as the city's major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs.  As the city's hub for integrated food poverty assistance, Food Bank tackles the hunger issue on three fronts — food distribution, income support and nutrition education — all strategically guided by its research. Through its network of  community-based member programs citywide, Food Bank helps provide 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need. Food Bank's hands-on nutrition education program in the public schools reaches thousands of children, teens and adults. Income support services including food stamps, free tax assistance for the working poor and the Earned Income Tax Credit put millions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income New Yorkers, helping them to achieve greater dignity and independence. Learn how you can help at foodbanknyc.org.

About No Kid Hungry
No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. No Kid Hungry connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals.  This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140521/90189

SOURCE Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival