Strike Out Hunger with the Delmarva Shorebirds

June 1, 2015

We are proud to partner with Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds for the “2015 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva.” The Shorebirds are the Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

To jump start the season-long challenge, the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation — the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms — has issued a $15,000 challenge grant to benefit the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Eastern Shore Branch of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

“The Food Bank of Delaware is proud to partner again with Perdue Farms, the Delmarva Shorebirds and our food bank colleagues on the Delmarva Peninsula,” said Chad Robinson, Milford branch manager of the Food Bank of Delaware. “When Americans think of baseball, they are reminded of the ‘American Dream’ and it is unfortunate that too many Americans cannot attain that dream because of hunger and food insecurity.

“Through the Strike Out Hunger Challenge, we are happy that important attention will be given to this issue and that Perdue and the Shorebirds are engaged in doing their part to help us ensure a community free of hunger,” he said.

Perdue Farms has committed to eliminate hunger on the Delmarva Peninsula since 2011.

“At Perdue Farms, we believe that in a country as rich as our, no one should have to go hungry. That’s why the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation is thrilled to continue its partnership in the fight against hunger through the Strike Out Hunger Challenge,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. “Since 2011, this unique partnership between our Foundation, the Shorebirds and the region’s food banks has generated more than 400,000 meal equivalents to help our neighbors in need. We are very proud to be a part of such a collaborative effort of our greater community. Together, we can ‘Strike Out Hunger on Delmarva.’ ”

As Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds, said, “The Shorebirds are excited to work with Perdue and the three local food banks for the fifth year in a row. Together, we have made enormous strides since 2011 in helping provide for those in need and we are happy to continue our support in this noteworthy cause.”

The first $10,000 of the Foundation’s challenge grant will be divided equally among the three Delmarva food banks as a challenge to involve the Delmarva community in the regional fight against hunger.

Each food bank must raise the equivalent of 10,000 meals in order to claim their share of the $10,000 challenge grant. Any combination of pounds of food collected, funds collected and donated, or volunteer efforts starting with the Shorebirds’ home opener held on April 9, through the final game of the regular season at home on Wednesday, Sept. 2, will count toward each food bank’s challenge goal.

Perdue has also committed to donating $10 for each time Shorebirds’ pitchers strike out an opposing batter (up to $5,000). The $5,000 will be split equally between the three Delmarva food banks.

The Shorebirds have designated the season’s 11 Sunday home games as “Strike Out Hunger Sundays.” If fans bring two non-perishable food items to the stadium they can receive a general admission ticket to that day’s game for $3. Food collected from the 11 Sunday home games will be distributed equally among the three food banks.

In addition, food donation barrels will be located at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, making it easy for fans to help by bringing food to the game or just stopping by the stadium.

To help the Food Bank of Delaware raise 10,000 meals, there are two ways to help in a big way:

• Volunteer: Shifts at the Milford Branch on Monday and Friday afternoon are Strike Out Hunger volunteer shifts. Hours collected during those shifts will help towards the goal. To sign up, please click here or contact Lyndsay Humphreys, Volunteer Coordinator, at (302) 393-2011 or lhumphreys@fbd.org.
• Host a Strike Out Hunger Food Drive: To host a Strike Out Hunger Food Drive, please contact Chad Robinson, Milford Branch Director, at (302) 393-2010 or crobinson@fbd.org.

Some most-needed items include:

• Hot and Cold Cereals
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Fruits
• Canned Meats
• 8oz Shelf-Stable Milk
• Canned Vegetables
• Spaghetti Sauce