The Chattanooga Area Food Bank (Food Bank), Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia’s largest hunger relief organization serving 20 counties, announced that on Monday, June 26, 2017, the Morgan Stanley Foundation presented a check for a $25,000 grant to support the Food Bank’s fresh produce program. The funds will be used to increase the Food Bank’s ability to access, transport and store fresh produce and provide fruits and vegetables for local residents.
“We are proud to continue our commitment of providing fresh produce to children and their families. This grant will make healthy foods available to those who might otherwise not have access to them,” said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley and President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation.
“By providing the people we serve with increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables, we give them the building blocks for a healthy life,” said Gina Crumbliss, President and CEO for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “We are excited to work with Morgan Stanley to help improve the health of the people in our community.”
Food insecurity continues to be an issue facing millions of Americans. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released in September 2016, 42 million people in the United States are living in food-insecure households, 13 million of whom are children. Feeding America’s Hunger in America 2014 study found that 89 percent of Feeding America’s client households with at least one child lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
About the Chattanooga Area Food Bank
Founded in 1972 and renamed in 1983, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank is committed to leading a network of partners in eliminating hunger and promoting better nutrition in our region. The Food Bank acquires and distributes healthy food across a 20-county service region including Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia with help from its network of over 300 partner agencies. Last year alone, the Food Bank distributed over 15.9 million pounds (equal to 13.25 million meals) and served over 25,000 people each week. In addition to food provision, the Food Bank works to engage the public in the fight to end hunger and empower people to take responsibility for their health and their lives. For more information or to find out how you can get involved, visit our website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that 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. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
