America's Second Harvest Receives $100,000 Donation from Office Depot at Local Ceremony to Feed Hungry Americans

America's Second Harvest
Monday, 12 November 2001

America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest hunger-relief charity, will distribute more than 3,000,000 pounds of food as a result of donation

Today, at a local ceremony, Martha Pickett, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Programs from America's Second Harvest, was presented with a $100,000 donation from Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), the world's largest seller of office products and supplies, by the company's CEO, Bruce Nelson.

The ceremony was held at Caring Kitchens in Delray Beach, an agency that benefits from the America's Second Harvest national network of food banks and food-rescue programs. The generous donation will enable the organization to distribute 3 million pounds of food this holiday season.

Through its network of food banks and food-rescue programs, the charity's efforts reach 26 million hungry individuals and families in communities across the country.

"At this time when our hearts and wallets pour out for those victimized by the tragic events of September 11, it's a great time to remember that others in the homefront need help too," stated Ms. Pickett. "Our world has changed, and we must be prepared to help our food banks and food-rescue organizations that are reporting increases in need and shortages of food at pantries, community feeding sites, and other community-based agencies. We applaud Office Depot for their very generous donation and for reaching out to help feed Americans across the country."

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 31 million Americans face hunger every day, a number that has remained consistent since 1995. And, although it is likely still too early to evaluate the full impact of September 11, it appears that the primary way in which September 11 has affected America's Second Harvest and its network is by accelerating the economic downturn that was already underway. In a recently completed survey of 214 affiliated food banks and food-rescue programs, more than 80% reported an increase in demand for emergency food. Communities particularly hard-hit are those that are dependent on tourism and the airline industry.

"We are committed to giving back in local communities, where our employees and customers work and live. With the holiday season fast approaching, we wanted to help make a difference in the lives of so many Americans that may need food now, and during the holidays. By partnering with America's Second Harvest, our donation will be able to help thousands of people around the country. We are happy to lend a hand and thankful for organizations like America's Second Harvest that really make a difference each and every day." -- Bruce Nelson, CEO for Office Depot

America's Second Harvest will continue to work closely with its network to overcome these difficulties. And, we will continue to seek partnerships such as Office Depot's to help distribute much-needed nutrients throughout the country to keep Americans strong and healthy during these hard economic times and in times to come, whatever the cause.

Approximately 40% of America's Second Harvest affiliates report a decrease in food donations by an average of 20% - 40% in the midst of increased demand. The combination of increasing demand and decreasing food resources will create very serious situations in some communities.

Furthermore, a significant percentage of America's Second Harvest affiliates (25% -40% depending on the funding base) reported a decrease in funding. This is particularly concerning since many hunger-related and other humanitarian charities raise most of their resources during this time of year.

For more information, or to contact America's Second Harvest, see their website at: www.secondharvest.org