Drive to End Hunger helps provide more than 77,000 meals to Floridians

WASHINGTON, D.C. — AARP Foundation President Jo Ann Jenkins released the following statement today in regard to Drive to End Hunger efforts in central Florida during Speedweeks 2011 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway:

“We are humbled by the support that Drive to End Hunger received this weekend from the NASCAR community as well as people across Florida; their combined efforts will provide 77,855 meals to Floridians facing the threat of hunger. Today in America, 51 million people face the threat of hunger. More than six million of them are seniors and 210,000 of them are Floridians over age 60.

“In the last two weeks, as four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon debuted the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet on the track at Daytona International Speedway, people across the country joined Jeff, AARP and AARP Foundation in our race to end hunger. I am proud to report that, through our food drive at area Winn-Dixie stores as well as a generous donation from the Speedway itself, more than 10,000 pounds of food were donated directly to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Additionally, more than $12,000 was donated to national and local efforts to end hunger. Together, these efforts will provide more than 77,000 meals to Floridians who are struggling with hunger.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated or contributed to Drive to End Hunger for their efforts. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, five dollars or $50, everyone can help someone eat today. We are invigorated by the challenge ahead of us and look forward to all we will accomplish together.”

Drive to End Hunger’s work continues this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway, beginning with a food drive at St. Mary’s Food Bank this morning. Fans are invited to donate nonperishable items to the food bank and see the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevy. Details are available at www.drivetoendhunger.org.