Metro OEM Hosts “Fill The Boats” Food Drive Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2008
CONTACT: AMANDA SLUSS
615.880.2962 (OFFICE)
615.533.0978 (CELL)
OEM PARTNERS WITH KROGER AND SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOR THE FEEDING HOPE CHALLENGE
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to host a food drive tomorrow at two local Kroger stores to help feed hungry families in Nashville. The goal of the food drive is to fill two OEM boats with non-perishable food donations.
The drive will take place Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Nipper’s Corner Kroger off Edmondson Pike and the Nolensville Pike/Old Hickory Boulevard Kroger in South Nashville. OEM staff (utilizing vacation or compensatory time) and volunteers will be on hand to collect donated food items. Most needed items include canned meat (chicken/tuna), peanut butter and canned vegetables.
“This has been a challenging year for a lot of families in Davidson County and the non-profit food pantries have struggled to keep up with the increased demand,” OEM Director Laura Hokenstad said. “We’re calling on all Nashvillians to give what they can to help put food on the tables of hungry families this holiday season.”
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has been encouraging the community to take the Feeding Hope Challenge this month. Through December 30, Second Harvest is hosting food drives to help collect food and funds that supply 300,000 pounds of food in 30 days. Every dollar donated purchases five pounds of food and provides four meals.
“We are mobilizing all of our efforts during this campaign to collect the much needed donations for the Emergency Food Box program,” said Jaynee Day, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. “Every can, every dollar and every volunteer makes a difference in the lives of hungry families.”
"We are pleased to partner with OEM in their efforts to collect food for Second Harvest Food Bank," said Melissa Eads, Kroger spokesperson. "The need for food assistance is greater than ever and Second Harvest needs everybody's help to feed that need."
For more information on the Feeding Hope Challenge, visit Second Harvest’s web site at www.secondharvestnashville.org.