Hunger Forecast Increases with Temperature

Feed The Children Prepares for Higher Costs and Demand After Drought

OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With more than one-half of America's counties designated as drought disaster areas, the harvest of corn, soybeans, and other food staples will fall short of predictions.  Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared current conditions as the worst drought since 1956 and the United Nations predicts it will increase global food prices by six percent.  This forecast is troubling to organizations like Feed The Children, a non-profit global hunger relief organization.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120618/DC26160)

Today, Feed The Children distributed food and other essentials to 800 families in Lexington, KY with its corporate partner Fazoli's.  The distribution capped off a two-month fundraising tour where volunteers from both organizations handed out breadsticks to residents in 15 cities across America.  The goal was to raise awareness and funds for childhood hunger in a creative way to draw attention to the need.

In just two months, Fazoli's and Feed the Children raised $35,000 in funds, nine tons in food, and reached more than 80 million people through media and Internet to communicate the importance of the cause.

Kevin Hagan, president and CEO of Feed The Children, believes private partnerships with organizations like Fazoli's are the answer to raising both funds and awareness.  "Taking a food truck on tour to distribute 150,000 breadsticks is a novel way of getting your message out," said Hagan.  "It engaged people at parks, sporting events and summer concerts.  And it captured the media's attention.  This is what is needed to elevate the conversation about childhood hunger."

The current drought will increase the number of families needing assistance.  As the crops most affected by the drought - corn and soybeans - disappear from world markets, the price of all grains, including wheat, is likely to soar, causing immense hardship to those who already have trouble affording food to feed their families.  In the United States, food represents about 13 percent of the average household budget, relatively small for most middle- and upper-income families.  But the increased costs from the drought could be devastating for poor and unemployed Americans.

Childhood hunger in the United States is a challenging concern.  More than 16 million American children are at risk of hunger according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Unemployment in July dropped slightly, but the recovery continues to be slow. That, combined with rising food prices, puts more children in the United States at risk.

Fazoli's has a long-term commitment to battling childhood hunger according to Cathy Hull, Fazoli's Chief Marketing Officer. "Fazoli's understands the importance in helping families in need," said Hull.  "And so do our guests.  This is why the Feed The Children campaign was so successful."

While fundraising efforts continue, Fazoli's will take the time to give back to those who helped.  It will offer free kids meals at participating restaurants August 15-19.  This allows kids twelve and under to receive a free meal for every adult entree purchased.  "It's just one more way to encourage people to help," said Hull.

Since 1979, Feed The Children has consistently ranked as one of the largest international charities in the U.S., based on private, non-government support. Our mission is providing hope and resources for those without life's essentials. In FY 2011, Feed The Children distributed more than 104 million pounds of food and other essentials to children and their families in all 50 states and internationally. For more information, visit www.feedthechildren.org.

An American family favorite for more than 20 years, Fazoli's is a leading, next generation QSR.  With an all new premium menu featuring freshly prepared Italian entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches and salads, a contemporary new restaurant design and fresh leadership, Fazoli's is well positioned for growth.  Already America's largest Italian quick service chain, Fazoli's is expanding in select markets throughout the country.  Founded in Lexington, Ky. in 1989, Sun Capital Partners acquired Fazoli's in 2006.

Contact:  Mark Opgrande
Feed The Children
O: 405.815.4283  C: 405.821.8114 
[email protected]

John McCauley
Brokaw
C: 440.263.3964

SOURCE Feed The Children