Feeding America® Receives $2 Million Donation From The Darden Foundation To Help In The Fight Against Hunger

Funds to benefit nearly all 200 network food banks in communities across the U.S.

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Jul 17, 2018, 11:47 ET

CHICAGO, July 17, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Forty-one million Americans are forced to make choices between food or other basic necessities. This is why Feeding America®, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, and The Darden Foundation have partnered to provide more meals to people in need. Darden's most recent donation of $2 million will help Feeding America and 192 member food banks reach people facing hunger in communities across the country where Darden restaurants are located.

"Our definition of service extends beyond the four walls of our restaurants and into the communities we serve," said Stephanie Ghertner, Director of The Darden Foundation. "The Darden Foundation, on behalf of Darden's 180,000 team members, is proud to partner with Feeding America and their nationwide network to help address and reduce the significant issue of food insecurity."

Darden's $2 million donation will allow Feeding America to help provide 20 million meals* for people facing hunger. Thanks to their ongoing support over the past six years, the Feeding America network has been able to help provide even more nutritious meals to families in need. This donation will mark a total of $5.6 million that The Darden Foundation has contributed to the Feeding America network.

"There are 13 million children and 5.4 million seniors across the country facing hunger," said Matt Knott, President of Feeding America. "Thanks to our continued partnership with The Darden Foundation and their incredible generosity, we will be able to reach more families by helping them access the food they need."

To learn more about Feeding America or to find your local food bank, visit www.feedingamerica.org.

*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.

About Darden Restaurants and The Darden Foundation

Darden is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V's. Our people equal our success, and we are proud to employ 180,000 team members in more than 1,700 restaurants. Together, we create memorable experiences for nearly 390 million guests each year in communities across North America. The Darden Foundation works to bring to life our spirit of service through its philanthropic support of charitable organizations across the country. Since 1995, The Darden Foundation has awarded more than $90 million in grants to non-profit organizations such as Feeding America, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and American Red Cross. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the Unites States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 46 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.

SOURCE Feeding America