AAA Central Penn through its AAA Cares program is partnering with Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization on an initiative to end hunger in America. AAA Central Penn is joining AAA organizations nationwide for this initiative, uniting all AAAs around this cause across the country. Feeding America is part of a nationwide network of food banks, agency partners, food pantries and meal programs.
In every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet, 48 million people, the highest it has been since 2014, experience food insecurity in the United States. The increased cost of living, coupled with increasingly limited access to food, is creating a national hunger crisis.
Through the summer months, June through August, AAA Central Penn is collecting donations through a virtual food drive. The summer season is when many children are out of school and often experience food insecurity. And 14 million children — approximately 1 in 5 — do not have the food they need to thrive.
Every dollar donated to AAA Central Penn’s virtual food drive will help provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local partner food banks.
“Everyone deserves access to enough food to support themselves and their families,” said Jodie Daubert, President and CEO of AAA Central Penn. “We are committed to helping end hunger by supporting our neighbors and local food banks. We’re proud to join AAA clubs nationwide in this important effort to create a future where no one goes hungry.”
The partnership with Feeding America will help support Central Pennsylvania communities and communities across the nation. Feeding America is an affiliate of The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which supports food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the region.
New this year, AAA Central Penn is excited to launch Kylee’s Garden of Giving, an initiative led by Lancaster Insurance Agent Kylee Goshen and a hands-on way to support families facing food insecurity. AAA Central Penn will grow fresh vegetables at a local community garden, and 100% of the harvest will be donated to local food pantries.
AAA Central Penn is also hosting a giveaway in all branches in support of the ending hunger effort. On average, it costs $15 to buy lunch at a restaurant but only $5 for a packed lunch. AAA Central Penn is encouraging everyone to pack their lunch and donate the $10 difference in lunch savings to the food drive. When they donate $10 or more at any AAA Central Penn branch, they will receive a complimentary reusable lunch box while supplies last.
Additionally, AAA Central Penn invites community members to sign up to volunteer alongside AAA team members at these AAA Cares food bank volunteer events this summer:
- Cocoa Packs in Hershey – Wednesday, June 3, 2-5 pm at Spring Creek Church, 335 E. Areba Ave., Hershey
- Project Share in Carlisle – Thursday, June 4, 8:30 am – 12 pm at 5 N. Orange St., Suite #4, Carlisle
- Project Share in Carlisle – Thursday, August 6, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm at 5 N. Orange St., Suite #4, Carlisle
- Lebanon County Christian Ministries in Lebanon – Wednesday, July 15, 9 am – 3 pm at 250 S. 7th St., Lebanon
- Central Pennsylvania Food Bank – Wednesday, Sept. 2, 1-4 pm at 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg
Volunteers can sign up for a AAA Cares food bank volunteer event and get a free Fuel Hope, Fight Hunger t-shirt by emailing AAACares@aaacp.com.
