Hometown Huddle to distribute thousands of pounds of food

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media Contacts
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

Detroit Lions
Tim Pendell, 313-215-4172

UNITED WAY AND THE DETROIT LIONS PARTNER WITH LIFT UP AMERICA, TYSON FOODS AND GLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK TO FEED METRO DETROIT’S HUNGRY

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Detroit Lions are teaming up with Lift Up America, Tyson Foods, Inc. and Gleaners Community Food Bank for the 8th annual Hometown Huddle Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Ford Field. The purpose of this year’s event is to feed thousands of metro Detroit’s hungry. The distribution of food and product will include 20,000 pounds of frozen chicken, donated by Tyson Foods, Inc.; 1,000 cans of Chunky Soup, donated by Campbell’s® Chunky™; and 3,000 battery packs, donated by Interstate Batteries. United Way volunteers and Detroit Lions’ players will load the product into the vehicles of more than 30 (pre-selected) nonprofit agencies that run food pantries. The distribution of food and product will benefit approximately 2,000 metro Detroit families in time for the holidays.

Hometown Huddle celebrates the 33-year partnership of United Way and the NFL and supports both organizations’ work to make a positive and lasting impact on our region. Lift Up America works with corporations and professional sports teams to provide far-reaching aid to the less fortunate. They are involved in 25 similar events throughout the country. Tyson Foods, Inc. has focused on the issue of hunger in America, donating more than 41 million pounds of much-needed protein to hunger relief efforts across the country. Gleaners Community Food Bank feeds the hungry throughout our region by providing over two million pounds of food per month to more than 400 nonprofit and charitable organizations in southeastern Michigan.

"The NFL and the Lions have had a long and rewarding relationship with United Way nationally and locally,” said Tom Lewand, executive vice president & COO, Detroit Lions. “We are thrilled to be able to use Hometown Huddle to address hunger and feed thousands of people right here at home.”

“We are very grateful to partner with the Detroit Lions, Lift Up America, Tyson Foods and Gleaners Community Food Bank whose compassion for others is evident by their missions and service to those in need,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Partnerships such as this one demonstrate the tremendous impact we can make in the lives of others when we work together.”

WHAT: The Detroit Lions and United Way’s 8th Hometown Huddle – Food for the Hungry With Lift Up America, Tyson Foods and Gleaners Community Food Bank

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 5. 11:30 a.m. brief program and distribution of food (Best time for media 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Agencies will start arriving at 11 a.m. The event will provide several interview opportunities and great visuals.)

WHERE: Ford Field, outside Gate A on Brush St. (Media vehicles should park on Adams St.). Area food pantries will line up their vehicles on Brush St. to receive food.

WHO: Lem Barney, Detroit Lions Alumni and Pro Football Hall of Famer; Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan; Jaan Heinmets, director, National Distribution, Lift Up America; Robert Gillespie, Regional Sales Manager, Tyson Foods, Inc.; and DeWayne Wells, vice president, Program Services, Gleaners Community Foods Bank, will speak during the brief program. More than 25 United Way volunteers and Detroit Lions players will help load the donated product. Detroit Lions players include Aveion Cason, running back; Eddie Drummond, wide receiver; Jason Hanson, kicker; Nick Harris, punter; Casey FitzSimmons, tight end; Frank Davis, Stephen Peterman and Barry Stokes, offensive linemen; Jon McGraw, defensive back; Dan Orlovsky, quarterback, Marcus Pollard, tight end; Corey Smith and Bill Swancutt, defensive linemen. Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary and United Way’s mascot Captain Carin’ will also be on hand, along with The Salvation Army Band.

WHY: This partnership event will help feed the hungry in the metro Detroit, serving approximately 2,000 families through more than 30 area food pantries. Hometown Huddle celebrates the long-standing partnership of the NFL and United Way and continues to provide opportunities to engage residents, nonprofits and businesses to work together to improve lives.

Other key points regarding the hungry in southeast Michigan:

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, among the larger cities nationwide, Detroit has one of the highest proportions of people in poverty with 31.4 percent, many of whom are children.
• There is more than a 26 percent decrease in manufacturing jobs in southeastern Michigan and requests for food assistance have more than doubled since 2000, according to the Michigan League for Human Services.
• A survey conducted by Gleaners Community Food Bank found that approximately 70% of food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters have reported a substantial increase in people requesting food since 2001.
• Gleaners Community Food Bank also found that 39% of food pantries, 21% of soup kitchens and 37% of shelters had to turn people away last year, due to lack of resources.
• United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 2-1-1 call center, serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, received more than 97,400 calls since it launched in December 2005, with food assistance being one of the top services requested.

We have an opportunity to make a difference, right here at home. If you need help or want to help by volunteering your time or resources, call United Way’s 2-1-1 call center by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-552-1183. You can also click on United Way’s Web site at www.uwsem.org or Gleaners Community Food Bank Web site at www.gcfb.org.

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