Fifth Third Bank (South Florida) Launches Second Annual "Fight Hunger. Feed Dreams." Food Drive

NAPLES, Fla., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the USDA's November 2010 report, "Household Food Security in the United States," 50.1 million Americans – including more than 17 million children – lack the means to get enough nutritious food on a regular basis. Record-breaking levels of food insecurity from 2008 survey remained steady in 2009, with more people than ever before enrolled in federal nutrition assistance programs.

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Recognizing the local burden created by this national crisis, Fifth Third Bank has launched its second annual "Fight Hunger. Feed Dreams." program, a food drive aimed at providing meals to the hungry throughout the area. The food drive will begin on Monday, April 11 and donations will be accepted throughout April 30. Collection boxes have been set up across the bank's seven-county South Florida footprint in financial centers, corporate offices and other locations.

"We know the continued challenges that people in our communities are facing," said David Call, President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank in South Florida. "Our Fight Hunger. Feed Dreams. effort gives everyone an opportunity to make a positive difference."

In 2010, the bank collected 8,270 pounds – more than four tons, or nearly 5,000 meals' worth - of nonperishable food items in Fifth Third's 62 South Florida financial centers and offices.  

Citizens across South Florida are encouraged to take part in the food drive and donate nonperishable food items at any Fifth Third Bank in the area. For a list of branch locations, visit www.53.com. Suggested items include canned meats, fruits and vegetables; cereal; peanut butter; rice; macaroni and cheese; beans; pasta; baby food and formula.

On Thursday, April 14, 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m., the bank's Women's Network will partner with Blue Martini for a social event to promote the food drive. Anyone who donates a canned food item between 4:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. will receive a free "Dreamtini" (one per person). All donations will benefit The Salvation Army.

"With the summer months ahead, the meals that many families count on during the school year for their children's nourishment will not be available," said Steve Dick, Director of Development for The Salvation Army's Florida Division. "The food items that are being collected at Fifth Third Bank locations throughout South Florida will go a long way in helping The Salvation Army provide families with the food they need to help feed their families during these critical summer months."  

All food will be collected in May by The Salvation Army and delivered to its area commands in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Manatee, Sarasota, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

"In such trying times for businesses and hardworking individuals, we are pleased to provide an opportunity to help fellow neighbors in need and we invite the citizens of our communities to support our efforts," said Tim Mackay, Fifth Third Bank Senior Vice President and Retail Executive. "Together as a team, we are confident in the abilities of our employees and community members to bring hope and assistance to those who need it most."

For more information or to help support the food drive, call (239) 591-6462.  

About Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank (South Florida), headquartered in Naples, has more than 60 banking centers serving Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Manatee, Palm Beach, and Sarasota counties. Hours will vary by location; for branch banking hours, click here. An affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp, Fifth Third Bank offers full-service banking convenience, including mortgage, private banking, corporate banking, trust, investments, and currency exchange for 110 countries.

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company has $113 billion in assets, operates 16 affiliates with 1,309 full-service Banking Centers, including 103 Bank Mart® locations open seven days a week inside select grocery stores and 2,364 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Investment Advisors. Fifth Third also has a 49% interest in Fifth Third Processing Solutions, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of March 31, 2010, had $190 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $25 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® National Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB."

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

CONTACT: Jama Dock
[email protected]
(239) 591-6462

SOURCE Fifth Third Bank (South Florida)