Allstate and The Allstate Foundation Help Prepare Local Food Banks for Disaster Response Through Renewed Feeding America Partnership

Up to $2 million pledged to support disaster relief efforts
Jul 31, 2014 2:35 PM ET

CHICAGO, July 30, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, announced today The Allstate Foundation and Allstate Insurance Company, the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, have renewed their commitment to Feeding America and pledged to donate up to $2 million in support of Feeding America’s disaster relief efforts.

The announcement comes as Feeding America food banks across the country begin dealing with the busy summer weather season – from hurricanes along the coast to tornadoes in the Midwest to fires in the Southwest. During the past five years, the Feeding America network and its national corporate donors have provided more than 100 million pounds of emergency food and disaster relief supplies to individuals and families affected by disaster.

Allstate Insurance Company’s commitment of $1 million enables Feeding America to build capacity in disaster preparedness and provide critical support if a disaster strikes. Additionally, The Allstate Foundation pledged up to $1 million to support the response efforts of member food banks in the event of significant natural disasters. As part of this commitment, the Foundation recently committed $250,000 to pilot an initiative among regional food banks to build capacity and preparedness.

“When dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophe, people should not have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Matt Winter, president, Allstate Personal Lines, and Feeding America board member. “I am honored to be personally involved with this cause, and I am proud of the support Allstate is providing to help address this important need.”

Allstate’s commitment in the fight to end hunger goes beyond their monetary donations. Along with their philanthropic support, Allstate has also selected Feeding America as lead partner for its annual Week of Service. During this nationwide event, Allstate employees and agency owners partnered with local food banks to fight hunger in their communities by collecting food to feed more than 300,000 people in 2014.

“We extremely grateful for Allstate’s commitment to our disaster relief program which helps to make sure that our network is ready when disaster strikes,” said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. “With their support and their employees’ support, we are ready to deliver much-needed emergency relief to families in need.”

Feeding America also provides immediate relief through emergency feeding centers operated by NVOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster) partners, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other disaster relief organizations.

Feeding America first took an active role in disaster relief services in 1989, following Hurricane Hugo, which devastated several states in the Southeastern U.S., and the Loma Pieta earthquake, which caused significant damage in San Francisco and the Central California Coast. Since then, the Feeding America network has been committed to responding to major disasters and dedicated to helping communities recover.

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About Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 37 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

About Allstate Insurance Company
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®.” The Allstate brand’s network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In 2013, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $29 million to support local communities. Allstate employees and agency owners donated 200,000 hours of service across the country.

About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people’s well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.