Benevolist and Tackle Hunger Launch National Virtual Food Drive to Combat Summer Hunger

Benevolist.org and Tackle Hunger have announced the launch of the 'Full Bellies, Bright Summers' virtual food drive, a nationwide initiative designed to combat summer hunger among children. The campaign, running from July 7th to August 31st, encourages food pantries, businesses, congregations, and community groups across the U.S. to participate by setting up virtual food drives. These drives aim to restock food pantry shelves during a time when demand surges due to the absence of school-provided meals.

The initiative addresses a pressing issue: families typically spend an additional $300 each month on food when school is out, placing a significant strain on both households and food charities. Alison Reese, Executive Director of Tackle Hunger, emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating, 'This virtual fundraiser is a simple way to change the game and help feed more people.' The program offers a customizable, pre-populated drive template on Benevolist.org, enabling participants to quickly set up and share their drives, thereby facilitating critical food assistance to families in need within their communities.

Cari Newton, CEO at Benevolist, highlighted the community-centric approach of the initiative, 'This is about neighbors helping neighbors. We've made it simple for anyone to step up, rally their networks, and provide essential items that pantries actually need—right when they need them most.' The 'Full Bellies, Bright Summers' campaign represents a collaborative effort to mitigate the challenges faced by food pantries during the summer months, leveraging technology to make giving easier and more impactful.

For those interested in contributing to the cause, more information can be found at www.benevolist.org. The initiative not only aims to address immediate hunger needs but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility in tackling food insecurity.