Goya Foods Donates One Million Pounds of Food Through United Way to Fight Hunger

USA - English

• Latin America - español

SECAUCUS, N.J., March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Goya Foods, Inc., the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, announced today their donation of one million pounds of food in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to help fight hunger during a press conference at the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey.  Goya has partnered with United Way to execute the food distribution, providing food to various food pantries, food banks, shelters, senior organizations, and schools on March 16.  The donation, which consists of rice, dry beans, and other Goya favorites, will help feed more than three million people.

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Taking place on the 75th day of Goya's 75th year, the one million pound donation is part of a series of initiatives the company has developed to celebrate its milestone anniversary in 2011 and is the largest ever single-day food donation by a food company.   The historic donation serves as a reminder of Goya's service to its communities and is the next step in Goya's longstanding commitment of supporting the fight against hunger.  Throughout its seventy-five year history, Goya has donated extensively to local and national organizations, and in 2010 alone, the company donated more than 1.5 million pounds of food internationally.  

Additionally, Goya announced that it will be donating more than 100,000 cans of Goya coconut water to aid the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.   This donation will quickly help provide the victims with necessary nutrients during these difficult times.  Goya has a long history of providing aid to those impacted by natural disasters and has made significant donations both at home, including those impacted by Hurricane Katrina as well as abroad in Mexico, Haiti, Chile, Peru and El Salvador, among others.

"Giving has always been an integral part of our culture, so as we celebrate our seventy-fifth anniversary, we wanted to give back to the communities that have always supported us," said Robert Unanue, president of Goya Foods.  "At a time when millions of Americans are faced with food insecurity, this donation reinforces our commitment to aiding in the fight against hunger, so we thank United Way for helping us execute this day of giving." 

Members of the local business and philanthropic communities, including representatives from Catholic Charities, Puertorriquenos Asociados for Community Organization and Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation, joined Goya executives to kick-off the day of giving.

Goya's Secaucus, New Jersey distribution center will serve as the flagship for the effort donating 175,000 pounds of food to United Way of Hudson County and United Way of New York City. The nationwide efforts will take place in the following Goya markets, each of which will receive at least 75,000 pounds of food: Boston; Buffalo; Chicago; Houston; Los Angeles; New York Tri-state area; Miami; Orlando; Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.  

"We applaud Goya's commitment to fight hunger," said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide.  "Good nutrition is a key part of United Way's commitment to improve people's health and this generous donation will help ensure that children and adults in these communities have access to affordable, healthy food."

At the press conference, Unanue also unveiled details of the Goya Gives campaign, which it is conducting in partnership with United Way.  For 75 days, from March 16th to May 29th, Goya Foods is encouraging consumers to participate in the fight against hunger and promote better nutrition through the Goya Gives social media platform. Participants will be able to share their low-cost, nutritious recipes using Goya products, as well as photos and stories of how they have shared a meal with a friend or neighbor in need at www.goyagives.org.  Participants can also share the Goya Gives message with their friends through Facebook and Twitter.  In addition, people can make monetary donations directly to United Way, funding the organization's initiatives to prevent hunger and improve nutrition in communities across America.

For more information on Goya Gives, please visit www.goyagives.org.

ABOUT GOYA: Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America's largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 1,600 high-quality food products from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; their combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation make them ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

ABOUT UNITED WAY:  United Way is a worldwide network in 40 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.  LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: LIVEUNITED.org.

SOURCE Goya Foods