The NFL Foundation Commits $250,000 to Tackle Hunger
January 22, 2021
Ahead of Super Bowl LV, taking place on February 7, 2021 in Tampa, Florida, the NFL Foundation is making a $250,000 donation to Feeding Tampa Bay (FTB) to combat hunger, an issue worsened by the pandemic. As part of the Huddle to Tackle Hunger program, which launches the week of the game, the Foundation will support FTB in an effort to alleviate food insecurity and provide funding to local restaurants that have been significantly affected by COVID-19, while the NFL will increase volunteer efforts so that food can continue to be brought to those most in need.
"Each year, we look for meaningful ways to give back to our Super Bowl host city," said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility for the NFL. "The past year has been unlike any other and we want to assist those who have been greatly impacted by the ongoing pandemic. We are hopeful that we will be able to help the restaurant industry and those facing food insecurity in the Tampa Bay area through the 'Huddle to Tackle Hunger' initiative, and that our efforts will leave a lasting impact on the community long after Super Bowl Sunday."
As many local restaurants continue to suffer hardships from the impacts of COVID-19, the NFL Foundation's donation will help ensure that they can continue to generate revenue, provide employment to members of the community and feed the needy and underprivileged.
The restaurants selected to participate were recommended by the NFL's Super Bowl LV Business Connect program, which creates opportunities for local small business owners. Via Feeding Tampa Bay’s Huddle to Tackle Hunger program, the NFL Foundation’s donation will provide financial support to the local restaurants and help FTB's food distribution program to expand the number of meals available, the number of participating restaurants and the delivery timeframes.
In addition, the NFL and FTB have launched a volunteer sweepstakes to encourage and reward local residents to fight hunger within their community. Running through February 3, participants witll have a chance to win Super Bowl LV tickets.
Volunteers can sign up with FTB to fill critical needs for helping to safely continue feeding the community. Volunteers will do everything from food packing and sorting, to distribution in their Trinity Cafes and remote locations around the Tampa Bay area.
In the week leading up to Super Bowl LV, the NFL will host two events with Feeding Tampa Bay. Feeding Tampa Bay, part of the national Feeding America network, focuses on providing food to over one million food insecure families in the 10-county area of West Central Florida.