The Foundation’s Campaign to Support People Facing Hunger During the COVID-19 Crisis Continues Through May 2020
Saint Paul, MN – (May 13, 2020) – MREF is thrilled to announce that thanks to the generosity of individuals and organizations throughout the marketing research industry, it has been able to make initial gifts to Feeding America® and Food Banks Canada, of $35,000 and $10,000 respectively. Both organizations are working on the front lines to address the significant increase in the number of people throughout North America facing hunger as a result of the pandemic.
“The results of our outreach have been inspiring,” said Steve Schlesinger, MREF Board Chair. “We quickly surpassed our initial goal of raising $50,000 so we have extended the COVID-19 Relief Campaign, hoping to raise $75,000 by the end of May 2020. We look forward to being able to make additional gifts to these two essential organizations.”
Nikki Drevich, Interim Chief Development Officer at Feeding America, noted that before the pandemic, 37 million people faced hunger in America. As a result of this pandemic, Feeding America estimates that 17.1 million additional people could find themselves without enough food. “This shocking number means there is an unprecedented need for resources. We have such gratitude for organizations like MREF that have motivated others to focus on coming together during this crisis.”
Food Banks Canada is working with a network of more than 3,000 food banks and community agencies throughout the country to handle the increased need created by the pandemic. With support from large corporations and individuals, they are mobilizing the country in this collective fight. “We’ve put out a call to Canadians and have been humbled by the response and are grateful for those who continue to give,” said Chris Hatch, CEO, Food Banks Canada. “Donations like the one from MREF are making a difference for those who need it.”
About MREF MREF’s mission is to unify, inspire and activate the marketing research community to focus its collective resources to educate children and youth worldwide. With the collective contributions of more 100 organizations in the industry MREF has made a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of children and their families. Visit MRGivesBack.org for more information.
About Feeding America Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 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. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About Food Banks Canada Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 3,000 food banks and community agencies come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who – last year – made 1.1 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Over the past 10 years, as a system we’ve sourced and shared over 1.4 billion pounds of food and Food Banks Canada shared nearly $70 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/ to learn more, or contact Food Banks Canada Taylor Barker, Consultant, spPR, T: 519.209.2000,E: taylorbarker@sppublicrelations.com