Food Share Participates In CenturyLink Backpack Buddies Food Drive

By Published On: July 14th, 2015

Marion Polk Food Share aims to lead the nation again in the fight against hunger. Last year, supporters of the regional food bank were first in the nation in the CenturyLink Backpack Buddies Food Drive, bringing in $449,000 and 330,000 pounds of food. This year, from June 1 – 12, the Food Share is looking to do better.

“Last year, the community support exceeded our wildest expectations,” said Rick Gaupo, president and CEO of the Food Share. “We know how passionate the Mid-Valley is about providing food for those who are hungry. CenturyLink is offering a tremendous opportunity to increase the impact of local support.”

CenturyLink, a global communications, hosting, cloud and IT services company which serves the greater Salem area, offers the annual nationwide food drive as a way to help support the communities it serves and raise awareness of the issue of childhood hunger. The company supports the drive through a $1 million match allocated across its markets. Local coordinators have selected the Food Share as the local beneficiary in the national campaign.

There are a variety of ways that people can participate in this drive. Funds can be contributed online, individual food and fund donations can be delivered directly to Marion Polk Food Share, people can organize food and funds drives at their school or workplace, or they can contribute during the Fill the Hard Hat effort on June 3 and 4 in downtown Salem. Contributions for the CenturyLink Backpack Buddies Food Drive must be received from June 1 – 12 to count towards the match.

You can drop off food donations at:
CenturyLink
740 State St, Salem, OR 97301

CBTwo Architects
500 Liberty St. SE, Suite 100 Salem, OR

Marion Polk Food Share
1660 Salem Industrial Drive NE Salem, OR

The timing of the food drive is particularly important. Traditionally summer months are a lean time for food banks as donations decrease. The need for emergency food remains strong all summer, especially for children who rely on receiving meals at school

 

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