Lambda Chi Alpha, Feeding America partnership raises over 3.6 million pounds in donations

INDIANAPOLIS, May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, in partnership with Feeding America, has raised over 3.6 million pounds of food during the 2014-2015 academic year through a nationwide food drive conducted by the fraternity's 190 chapters and colonies.

In total, Lambda Chi Alpha has provided over 3 million meals to Feeding America-affiliated food banks who service more than 46 million people facing hunger insecurity.

Lambda Chi Alpha chapters from the University of New Orleans, Worcester Polytechnic and North Carolina-Wilmington led Lambda Chi Alpha's fight against hunger by raising 228,500, 192,622 and 134,828 pounds of food respectively.

To date the partnership has raised over 6 million pounds and has provided those in need with over 5 million meals. All monetary and food donations raised benefit local food banks across the country which helps to feed the 1 in 6 Americans facing hunger, this includes  nearly 17 million children living in food-insecure households.

"The Feeding America network is grateful to the men of Lambda Chi Alpha," said Kelli Walker, director of corporate partnerships for Feeding America. "Not only for their incredible achievement in collecting pounds of food in their local communities but for the service and work many of the chapters provide in neighborhoods across the country. With one in six Americans facing food insecurity across the United States, the men of Lambda Chi Alpha are taking action."

Lambda Chi Alpha aims to continue their success in fighting hunger with new initiatives and additional programming at the national and collegiate level this fall. Undergraduate members have collectively volunteered over 22,000 hours at their home institutions and in their communities. 

"I am humbled to say that we and our undergraduates are continuing to lead the effort to end hunger across college campuses and local communities,yet there is still more work to do" said CEO of Lambda Chi Alpha Bill Farkas.

"We look forward to not only raising more pounds of food but also providing our men with more opportunities to volunteer at their local food bank," added Farkas. "I could not be prouder of our undergraduates and alumni and I know Feeding America is also excited to hear about our continued success."

Since 1993, Lambda Chi Alpha has maintained an ongoing commitment to hunger relief with the former "North American Food Drive," which encouraged chapters to donate non-perishable food. These efforts have raised more than 40 million pounds of food for the needy. That spirit and commitment now continues through the ongoing partnership with Feeding America.

In addition to expanding the number of participating chapters and total amount of food collected, Lambda Chi Alpha believes the partnership with Feeding America has strengthened the local relationships between chapters and member food banks and increased collaborative opportunities.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

CONTACT: Thomas Lichtenauer, 317-803-7322, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150519/217143

SOURCE Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.