7-Eleven® Urges Customers to 'Go Bananas' To Help Those Struggling with Hunger

DALLAS, Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 7-Eleven, Inc. is joining the Feeding America network of food banks in a pay-it-forward campaign to buy bananas for food-insecure individuals and families in the U.S. To participate, 7-Eleven^® customers can purchase two Del Monte bananas for $1, which will be donated to Feeding America and distributed through its network of local food banks to families in need.

For every two bananas donated by a customer, 7-Eleven also will contribute an additional dime for the Feeding America network, up to $100,000. The campaign runs from Nov. 6 through Dec. 2, 2014.

"Too many families suffer from hunger in our country, and this is a quick and easy way 7-Eleven and the people who shop our stores can help," said Nancy Smith, 7-Eleven senior vice president of merchandising. "Fresh produce is always highly requested at food banks and is important to good nutrition, especially for children. Our goal is to donate, with the help of our customers, bunches of bananas before the end of the year."

Customers who make a contribution at their local 7-Eleven store can choose to sign a holiday donation recognition card to be displayed in the store during the campaign. The retailer hopes to donate at least 2 million bananas to local food banks through the holiday campaign.

"This holiday season 7-Eleven will support our focus on providing more nutrient-rich food choices for our clients," said Nancy Curby, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. "This program provides a way for consumers to get involved in one of the most pressing issues our country is facing and support hunger-relief efforts at such a vital time."

The mission of Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, is to feed America's hungry through a national network of 200 member food banks and engage the country in the fight to solve hunger. Its member food banks supply food to more than 46.5 million Americans each year, including children and seniors.

"Food is an important part of the holiday season," Smith said, "and we wanted to give our customers an opportunity to make a simple gift of food to the needy households in their community this Thanksgiving."

7-Eleven is promoting its "banana benevolence" campaign on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.

Because the banana donations are tax-deductible, customers should ask a store associate for a receipt.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates franchises or licenses more than 10,300 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 54,000 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2013, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.5 billion. 

7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies for 2013; #3 spot on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2012, and #3 in Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start. 7-Eleven is No. 3 on Fast Company magazine's 2013 list of the "World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail" and among the Top Veteran-Friendly Companies for 2013 by U.S. Veterans Magazine and on GI Jobs magazine's Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2014. Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

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.

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SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.

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