America's Egg Farmers Donate Nearly 10 Million Eggs to Help Families in Need This Easter

ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite signs of economic recovery, record numbers of Americans are currently relying on food assistance. In fact, one in eight will receive help in 2012 from one of Feeding America's member food banks. And among the most needed items are sources of high quality protein.

That's why, for the fifth consecutive spring, America's egg farmers are giving the Easter Bunny, and families in need, a helping hand by donating nearly 10 million fresh eggs to Feeding America's 78 food banks in 40 states. That brings the number of eggs farmers have contributed since 2008 to 60 million – equaling nearly 5 million dozen.

"If you've ever met an egg farmer, you know just how incredibly generous and giving these men and women are," said Gene Gregory, president of United Egg Producers. "All year long, but especially at Easter, they proudly do what they can to support the communities in which they live and work."

For food banks across America, high quality sources of protein, such as eggs, are especially needed and valued. According to the USDA, one large egg delivers six grams of protein, along with 13 essential nutrients, including choline, folate, iron and zinc. After a review of the nutrient composition of standard large eggs last year, USDA concluded that the average amount of cholesterol was 14 percent lower, and vitamin D content was 64 percent higher, than previously measured.

"It's no longer just unemployed people who seek out help from their local food banks," explained Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "More than ever, we're working with people who just can't make ends meet and need help feeding themselves and their families."

About United Egg Producers

United Egg Producers (UEP) is the nation's leading trade association for U.S. egg farmers, representing nearly 90 percent of U.S. egg farmers, whose members produce eggs including modern cage production, cage-free, free range, organic and other specialty eggs. UEP is based in Alpharetta, GA. To learn more about the egg industry visit www.uepcertified.com. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/UEPCertified or follow our updates on Twitter at twitter.com/UEPCertified.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

SOURCE United Egg Producers