Since the start of #WeAllCan, we’ve been asking you to tell us how you’re making a difference in your community or making a positive impact in your world. Now, it’s our turn – this season, we’re putting our words into action and partnering with Feeding America over the holidays to provide up to 1,375,000 meals to local food banks across the country (with your help, of course!), and we’re getting out there to volunteer with our local food banks.
Last month, AEO corporate employees volunteered at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank as part of our partnership with Feeding America. We helped the facility sort non-perishable items donated to the food bank before being processed and sent out to local food pantries. We were happy to assist during the especially busy holiday season! Take a look at our volunteer photo diary to see how we spent our time at the food bank & keep reading to see how you can get involved.
“More than 42 million people in the United States face hunger, including 13 million children. We all have a role to play in getting more food to more people. American Eagle’s #WeAllCan initiative ensures every generation can play their part. We are grateful to be included in their holiday promotion.” – Nancy Curby, Interim Senior Vice President of Development at Feeding America
WHY FEEDING AMERICA?
- 34% of the homeless population in America is under age 24.
- Persistently poor children are 13% less likely to finish high school and 43% less likely to complete college.
GET TO KNOW FEEDING AMERICA
- Feeding America is the third largest charity in the U.S.
- *$1 is able to provide 11 meals for those in need through the Feeding America network.
- Millennials ages 21-30 are the demographic group most likely to say they intend to support Feeding America.
HOW WE’RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:
- Thru 12.25, AEO will donate up to 1,375,000 meals to local food banks across the country.*
- Associates will be hosting internal food drives in stores and delivering food to their local food pantries in January.
Sorting, packing & stacking boxes to prep them for shipment to food pantries.
Touring the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Facility.
Checking labels and expiration dates is an important part of sorting food received.
Filling boxes with a variety of packages (cans, boxes, bags) help to evenly source food for the pantries.
Each box shipped to food pantries must weigh 30 lbs., so volunteers are equipped with scales to make the job easier.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:
- Help AEO meet our donation goal of 1,375,000 meals by shopping with us in stores or online this season. *$1 helps provide 11 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local food banks.
- Visit Feeding America’s website to find your local food bank. Pledge to volunteer and spend a day sorting, packing & stacking, just like we did!
- Organize a food donation spot & get your friends or coworkers to bring in non-perishable food items (canned goods, packaged foods, etc.). Donate what you collect to your food bank.
- Make a monetary donation.
Show us how you’re making a difference this year with #WeAllCan on Instagram & Twitter!
