Capital Area Food Bank Seeks Public Support as Region Faces Hunger Crisis

What:

The Capital Area Food Bank is facing a 30 percent increase in transportation and food costs and is seeking public support for additional funding to reduce the costs that may have to be passed on to its 700 plus partner agencies. At issue is a potential shared maintenance fee of 10 cents a pound for fresh produce distributed to CAFB partner agencies, if the necessary funding is not found.

Who:

--Greg Ten Eyck, CAFB chairman and director of public affairs and government relations for Safeway Inc. Eastern Division

--Hannah Hawkins, CAFB board member and founder and director of Children of Mine, Inc.

--George Jones, CAFB board member and executive director, Bread for the City, Inc.

--Lynn Brantley, CAFB President & CEO

When:

1 pm, Tuesday, June 28

Where:

Children of Mine, Inc.

2263 Mount View Place, SE

Washington, DC  20020

Why:

More than 600,000 metro area residents, including 200,000 children, are facing persistent hunger, a 25 percent increase since 2006.  The CAFB provides individuals and families with nutrition education and outreach programs designed to address the root cause of hunger.

Visuals:

Fresh produce garden where children are taught to grow fruits and vegetables.