Foster Farms has announced the donation of 67,000 pounds of turkey to food banks across California, Oregon, and Washington ahead of Thanksgiving. The company’s annual holiday effort aims to provide more than 70,000 meals to families in need throughout the West Coast.
The donations will be distributed through eight different food banks and community organizations in the region. Foster Farms is also acting as the title sponsor for the Foster Farms Bowl in December, an event that partners with local food banks to further address hunger relief.
Food insecurity remains a significant issue on the West Coast. In California and Washington, about one in eight households face periods without enough food each year. In Oregon, approximately 16 percent of households are considered food insecure, according to data from the USDA Economic Research Service (https://www.ers.usda.gov/). Food banks have identified protein as one of their most needed items.
“There are too many people in the communities we serve who go hungry,” said Foster Farms Director of Communications Ira Brill. “Helping those in need is a year-round priority for Foster Farms. We hope that our holiday donations will encourage other businesses and individuals to support these food banks and ultimately, the families they serve. Everyone deserves the comfort of a traditional Thanksgiving meal.”
Second Harvest Food Bank in Manteca received an 11,000-pound turkey donation as part of this initiative. CEO Mike Mallory expressed appreciation for Foster Farms’ ongoing support: “We are grateful for the longtime support of Foster Farms. Every year, the company helps to ensure that our local families can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Protein donations are so valuable and really essential to our ability to provide nutritious foods to the families who rely our services – especially around the holidays.”
This year’s partner organizations include Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, Northwest Harvest Food Bank in Seattle, Oregon Food Bank Network, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, San Francisco City Impact, Second Harvest Food Bank serving San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, and SF-Marin Food Bank.
Beyond its seasonal donations, Foster Farms works with the California Association of Food Banks throughout the year to supply protein products to its partners. The company also supports programs like Food 4 Thought which provides groceries twice monthly during the school year to Central Valley elementary students participating in after-school activities.
Foster Farms has expanded its hunger relief efforts this year through activities connected with its sponsorship of the Foster Farms Bowl football game at Levi’s Stadium on December 28. Thousands of pounds of chicken will be donated for Christmas meals at GLIDE and St. Anthony’s charities in San Francisco. Additionally, through initiatives such as a youth national anthem contest at the bowl game and meal donations tied to ticket sales (www.FosterFarmsBowl.com), more resources will reach local hunger relief organizations.
