Lift Up America and the Cleveland Indians teamed up with Tyson Foods for the tenth consecutive year to help bring the gift of food to more than 30 Cleveland-area pantries and hot meal programs on Sept. 16 at Progressive Field. Employees from presenting sponsor Insurance Parners Agency and the Cleveland Food Bank were on hand to help with food distribution.
“Hunger is a basic need that goes unmet for many families in Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland Indians are proud to host this food drive to combat hunger as part of our commitment to the region’s communities,” said Rebecca Kodysh, executive director of community impact for the Cleveland Indians.
Since 2004, Lift Up America has partnered with corporations, pro sports teams and non-profit organizations to help communities in times of need. "We are excited to work with the Indians, Tyson Foods and Insurance Partners Agency again this year. Through these efforts in fighting hunger, we hope that we can serve as an example for our youth and encourage the next generation to be Ambassadors of Compassion,” said Eric Hannah, president of Lift Up America.
For the past 11 years, Tyson Foods has assisted Lift Up America in providing food in more than 20 cities to reduce domestic hunger in the United States. Since 2000, Tyson Foods has donated more than 100 million pounds of protein in the U.S.
“We want to make a difference in the lives of people struggling with food insecurity,” said Matt Pakula, Tyson Foods’ senior manager of corporate social responsibility. “To show our commitment to hunger relief, Tyson Foods has pledged $50 million in cash or in-kind donations over the next five years in the fight against hunger.”
"Our communities and people are intertwined and depend on one another. Each of us has or will experience difficult times. We are blessed, grateful, and honored to be able to help others. We challenge every organization and person to do what they can," says George Dadas, president of Insurance Partners Agency, food drive champion and presenting sponsor since 2010.
September is Hunger Action Month and Greater Cleveland Food Bank is calling upon its communities to take action to fight domestic hunger. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank provides food and critical nonfood products to more than 800 programs that serve hungry men, women and children. A 2014 Feeding America study found that in Northeast Ohio, more than 574,000 people turn to hunger programs annually. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is serving more people now than before the recession.
“We’re grateful to the Cleveland Indians, Lift Up America, Tyson Foods, and Insurance Partners Agency again to provide this much needed protein that will help meet the abundant hunger needs of many in the Greater Cleveland community,” said Kristin Warzocha, President & CEO for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. “Thank you for your continued commitment to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and feeding hungry people in Northeast Ohio. I know our member agencies are thrilled to receive this nutritious product!”
