!The Baltimore Ravens announced Tuesday the launch of their September Food Collection efforts, in conjunction with Giant Food and the Maryland Food Bank (MFB). This year, the Ravens have moved their month-long efforts from November to September in order to coincide with Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign mobilizing the public to take action and bring greater attention to the issue of hunger in America. Fans are encouraged to donate to the collection in a variety of different ways, detailed below:
Giant Food, the official supermarket of the Ravens and proud title sponsor of Purple, the official Baltimore Ravens Women's Club, will collect non-perishable items for the September Food Collection efforts in over 50 area stores from Sept. 1 – 30. Fans are encouraged to purchase on-site, pre-packaged boxes for only $10 that include MFB's most-needed food items.
Included as a stop in the Ravens Purple Friday Caravan, a kickoff event will take place this coming Friday (9/5) at the Clarksville Village of River Hill Plaza Giant Food store and feature Ravens alumni, cheerleaders, Baltimore's Marching Ravens and mascot Poe. On-site donations will be accepted for the "Outweigh the Ravens' O-Line" promotion, with a goal to collect over 1,600 pounds of food. By donating to the Food Drive, fans will receive an entry for the chance to win a gameday hospitality package.
During the Ravens' season, fans can stop by select Baltimore-area Giant Food stores to celebrate Purple Friday and stock up for their Sunday tailgate. Ravens Cheerleaders, team mascot Poe and 98Rock will all be on hand for the select tailgater store celebrations, and fans can enter to win great prizes. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to receive a bonus entry for the chance to win a gameday hospitality package. Visit www.baltimoreravens.com/tailgaters for a list of dates and participating locations.
Collection efforts through Giant Food will be enhanced on Sunday, Sept. 28, the day of the 19th annual Ravens Family Food & Funds Drive at M&T Bank Stadium. The Lady Ravens Association, M&T Bank and MFB volunteers will collect monetary donations and non-perishables prior to the Ravens vs. Panthers kickoff at 1 p.m. The final poundage collected will be calculated and distributed through the MFB. The 19th annual Ravens Family Food & Funds Drive is also supported by Von Paris, which will transport collected items from the stadium to the MFB
Maryland Food Bank (MFB) Fast Facts:
The MFB has distributed more than 35 million pounds of food – the equivalent of 29 million meals – to a network of more than 900 soup kitchens, pantries and shelters across the state. It's estimated that hungry Marylanders miss nearly 75 million meals each year.
The MFB is in most need of non-perishable food items, including canned meats like tuna, chicken and beef stew, shelf-stable milk, canned vegetables, peanut butter, and macaroni and cheese.
