Posted on December 17, 2009

Bank of America Charitable Foundation Awards $2 Million for Hunger Relief Efforts

The Charlotte-based Bank of America Charitable Foundation has announced grants totaling $2 million to three national organizations working to provide critical hunger relief services to underserved families and individuals disproportionately affected by the economic downturn.

Grantees include Feeding America, which received a $1 million grant announced earlier this month to connect low-income individuals with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the food stamp program. In addition, the Meals on Wheels Association of America was awarded $500,000 for leadership development training and to support efforts to prepare, deliver, and provide meals to homebound seniors in need, while Save the Children received $500,000 to support domestic and international programs that provide nutritious meals to children in communities hard hit by the economic crisis and soaring food prices.

Bank of America recently expanded its support for basic human services in response to the ongoing recession and its effects on individuals and families, especially those who were already living in poverty. The bank and its foundation have targeted their efforts to connect low-income and underserved families with available benefits and resources while helping them gain greater economic self-sufficiency and improving their health.

"Now, more than ever, Bank of America is committed to supporting core human service needs such as hunger relief, housing, and other basic services," said Bank of America Charitable Foundation president Kerry Sullivan. "This is a crucial time for these three nonprofits because they are simultaneously experiencing increased demand and reduced resources. These funds will have a positive impact during the holidays and over the long term."