OBI and NFL teams helped distribute more than 472,000 pounds of food to 13,000 families in four cities

Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - This Thanksgiving season, some NFL football players took the field to win the game. Others took the field to fight hunger.

It was a feast fit for thousands thanks to Operation Blessing International and NFL team partners: Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Carolina Panthers.

More than 472,000 pounds of food was distributed to 13,000 families in four cities, with the events taking place on Nov. 18, 21 and 22. OBI team members, NFL players and community volunteers were on-hand to assist in the food distribution.

"This is my first time coming to anything like this," said Brenda, a mother of three who is also helping raise three grandchildren. "It's extremely tough, but life goes on. I'm going to get back on my feet."

Brenda was at FedEx stadium, home of the Redskins, where she and other families left with traditional Thanksgiving Day food items such as a turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and yams. They were also given potatoes, onions, soups, canned vegetables, boxed cereal and other non-perishable food items. Each child was given a bag of toys and other goodies.

"This gives the players and other businesses the opportunity to give back in their own communities," said Pam Erickson, vice president of procurement and corporate relations at Operation Blessing. "We want to be an advocate for those in need and this is an opportunity to make a difference."

OBI first teamed up with the NFL after hearing about Green Bay Packer, Reggie White's efforts in raising goods to stock local food banks. By 1998, OBI had partnered with the Carolina Panthers, and has continued to add more teams.

In the spring, OBI will host a similar food distribution in Kansas City, Mo., with the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

About 30 staff members from OBI were at the various events along with hundreds of volunteers in the community. Recipients were able to meet their favorite players as well as leave with enough food for their families.

Steve O'Grady, director of operations and logistics at Operation Blessing, said the weekend event was a huge success, not only for the people who received the food they needed, but also for his staff and volunteers.

"Being at an event like this helps remind us of why we do what we do," he said. "We get to experience everything from the front end to the final distribution."

Ted Kreis, marketing director for Northern Plaines Potato Growers Association heard about the NFL food give-away event and contacted 17 shippers in his area for donations. Twenty-two pallets of potatoes later, a Hunger Strike Force truck was loaded with 9,000 five-pound bags headed for the NFL events.

"Operation Blessing made it easy," Kreis said. "They provided the truck and we provided the potatoes."

This is the first year the Northern Plaines Potato Growers Association has participated in the event. Kreis said he hopes they will participate again next year.

"We had a bountiful crop this year," Kreis said. "It's great to share what we have with those who need it."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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