CONTACT:
Paul Gaither, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 512-684-2528
Cell: 512-550-9030 pgaither@austinfoodbank.org
Issues Urgent Plea for Public Support to Make up the Shortfall
The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas is facing a shortfall of $100,000 in anticipated revenue as a result of the cancelation of the third day of the Austin Reggae Festival last Sunday due to severe weather.
Austin Reggae Festival is usually one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the Food Bank. But weather conditions have caused the festival to end early two years in a row. This unforeseen cancellation of the event put a damper on the fun for thousands of people hoping to enjoy some music and the beautiful Austin skyline.
Sadly, the impact is far greater than a cancelled concert. $100,000 is the equivalent of 400,000 nutritious meals for our Central Texas neighbors who are struggling to keep enough food on their plates every day.
“Weather can be unpredictable, but hunger isn’t,” said Mark Jackson, Chief Development Officer for the Capital Area Food Bank. “Each week 46,000 hungry neighbors rely on the resources the Food Bank provides. Thanks to the support of our community, we’re able to ensure no one is turned away when they need a helping hand. But something like this jeopardizes our ability to provide help when it’s needed most.”
The Food Bank is asking for the support of the community to help raise funds to offset this significant setback as it approaches its busiest time of year.
Monetary donations can be made online now at austinfoodbank.org.
LIVE SHOTS/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Hank Perret, Capital Area Food Bank’s President and CEO, is available for interviews
- Mark Jackson, Capital Area Food Bank’s Chief Development Officer, is available for interviews
About the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
The mission of Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger. Founded in 1981, CAFB provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 46,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, CAFB serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on CAFB and its programs, visit http://www.austinfoodbank.org.
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