The Arizona Food Bank Network got a call that Taylor Swift wanted to make a big donation. They thought it was a prank at first.
It was no joke. Swift has been giving back to communities wherever she plays –from Georgia to Michigan to Texas to California– food banks have benefited.
According to CNN,
- In Arizona, Swift’s donation in March allowed the network to send several tractor-trailers filled with 40,000 pounds of fresh produce to its member food banks
- Seattle-based Food Lifeline, which received a donation from Swift when she played in the city in late July, will likely use the funds to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as food popular in ethnic communities, said spokesperson Mark Coleman
- Last month, the singer donated to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, which works with more than 400 partners to feed 500,000 people each month, ahead of her stop in Santa Clara, California.
- Three Square Food Bank, which serves Las Vegas and southern Nevada, saw an uptick both in donations and interest in its mission after Swift’s largesse during the tour
Just as food banks around the country are contending with increased demand, higher costs and tighter supplies of donated food, Swift’s donations have called press attention to the needs.
Last year, about one in six people turned to hunger relief programs for support, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and programs, that provide food and services to people facing hunger.
Find your local food bank to get involved or donate within your community.
(via CNN)
