Fazoli's Kicks Off Breadsticks For Hunger Tour

OKLAHOMA CITY, May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Feed The Children, one of the country's largest disaster and hunger relief organizations, is ready to hit the road once again with corporate partner Fazoli's for the Breadsticks for Hunger Tour.  And because the organization is one of the primary relief organizations for assistance to tornado victims in Moore, Oklahoma, which is located just miles away from its headquarters, it's hoping the tour will generate donations to replenish the resources it needs to combat childhood hunger in America and disaster relief in Oklahoma and other parts of the country.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130524/DC20727 )

The Breadsticks For Hunger Tour kicks-off in Lexington, Fazoli's home market, on May 30 with a food distribution for over 400 families.  It will travel across America in a customized food truck making stops in 22 cities, including Oklahoma City, handing out Fazoli's breadsticks in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Feed The Children.  As a part of the tour, Fazoli's has created a new flavor of Lemon Ice named "Giving Grape Lemon Ice" and will donate $1 to Feed The Children for every one it sells throughout the summer.  Fazoli's is also encouraging businesses in each market to donate as well, with an incentive of $50 off any future catering order if the company donates $250 or more to Feed The Children.  Last year the tour raised $50,000, plus donations of 9 tons of food.  Those interested in tracking the tour can go to www.breadsticksforhunger.com. 

Cathy Hull, Fazoli's Chief Marketing Officer, is excited to get the tour started.  "Fazoli's is pleased to once again partner with Feed The Children," said Hull.  "After seeing the difference the two organizations made in the lives of so many families last year, we're committed and eager to do the tour again.  This year, we are also calling on local businesses and organizations for their support, with an incentive of $50 off a catering order for donations of $250 or more to Feed The Children."

At the Lexington kickoff event, a semi-trailer will be used to distribute food and essentials.  Assistance in the distribution will be provided by the Hope Center in Lexington.  Each family will receive a 25-pound box of food and a 10-pound box of personal care items.  The boxes are designed to help a family of four for up to one week.  More than one in four children living in Lexington, 26.5 percent, is considered impoverished.  And according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 16 million American children are at risk of hunger.

"We sincerely appreciate Fazoli's for its ongoing support to our mission," said Feed The Children Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jill vanEgmond.  "Our organization was personally impacted by the tornado in Moore, with seven of our employees losing their homes to the storm.  It has also stretched the financial resources of our organization, especially since it occurred just before the summer months when the need for hunger assistance increases because schools are out and breakfast and lunch programs end."   

Founded in 1979, Feed The Children's mission is to provide hope and resources for those without life's essentials.  A BBB Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity, Feed The Children is one of the largest charities based in the U.S., providing more than 350,000 children around the world with a hot, nourishing meal every day. Here in the U.S., nearly 10 million people receive assistance each year from food and supplies distributed through over 1,200 local partner agencies. For more information, visit www.feedthechildren.org. 

An American family favorite for more than 20 years, Fazoli's ranked #2 overall among large national fast-food chains in the prestigious Zagat Survey.  With a premium menu of freshly prepared Italian entrees, oven-baked sandwiches and salads, a new service style featuring table service and a contemporary new restaurant design, Fazoli's is expanding throughout the country. Founded in Lexington, Ky. in 1988, Fazoli's was acquired by Sun Capital Partners in 2006.

Contact:  John McCauley    
Brokaw Inc.                    
440.263.3964              
[email protected]

Erin Engelke
Feed The Children
405.863.8616
[email protected]

SOURCE Fazoli's