ADM Contributes $1 Million to Support Local Food Banks

By CnAgri Print

Archer Daniels Midland Company announced that it is contributing $1 million to Feeding America to support the operation of 30 mobile food distribution units operating in 21 states.

"The mobile food banks we are supporting will help to deliver food to people who are not only in need, but who may live a long way from their closest food bank.""ADM is committed to making a difference in the places where we live and work, and especially in the wake of this year's severe drought, we believe it is critical to address the issue of hunger in rural communities," said ADM chairman and CEO Patricia Woertz. "The mobile food banks we are supporting will help to deliver food to people who are not only in need, but who may live a long way from their closest food bank."

ADM will fund $30,000 grants to 30 individual Feeding America member food banks in 21 states for mobile distributions over two years. On average, a $30,000 grant provides six mobile distributions within each food bank's counties. A complete list of locations receiving grants is below.

Today's contribution builds on other ADM efforts in rural communities, particularly Invest an Acre, a joint project with Feeding America, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Monsanto, in which farmers can choose to donate part of the profit from their crop at ADM elevators to help feed their neighbors in need (for more information, see www.InvestAnAcre.org).

"This significant and generous gift from ADM will make a real impact on the work of Feeding America. The mobile food pantries these funds will purchase will help our food banks distribute much-needed food like fresh produce, dairy products and meat to low-income families in remote and rural locations, which are traditionally the most difficult for us to serve," said Matt Knott, interim President and CEO of Feeding America. "We are extremely grateful to ADM for this gift, and for their ongoing support of our mission."

The contribution was made through ADM Cares, a social investment program that directs funds to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide. The program comprises three distinct focus areas: supporting the responsible development of agriculture, improving the quality of life in ADM communities and fostering employee giving and volunteer activities.