"Drive to End Hunger" Program Provides Solutions to Senior Citizens

Jeff Gordon's win at Phoenix International Raceway on February 27th netted a $10,000 donation to St. Mary's Food Bank in Phoenix. Thanks to the "Drive to End Hunger" program, these funds will help Phoenix's ever-growing senior population who are struggling to obtain basic dietary needs.

Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports joined forces with AARP Foundation earlier this year with the primary objective of helping hungry seniors across America. The "Drive to End Hunger" program is a 3-year initiative that offers viable solutions to help seniors obtain adequate nutrition by connecting with NASCAR fans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Economic turmoil and a freeze on Social Security benefits have left millions of seniors facing the decision to place food on the table, buy prescription medicines, or pay basic living expenses. With the average Social Security check hovering around $1,000 per month and ever-rising food costs, more seniors than ever before are struggling to make ends meet.

Perhaps the biggest problem is the number of senior citizens who go hungry in silence. This generation grew up during times when receiving a hand-out equated to weakness or failure. Many do not have Internet access which could guide them to local food banks or charitable groups offering a helping hand. Even those that do know about resources oftentimes won't ask for help out of pride.

Gordon and Hendrix Motorsports hope to put an end to that. Only two races into the season, "Drive to End Hunger" is already making a difference. The program was unveiled during Speedweeks 2011 in Daytona Beach. The first $10,000 DTEH donation was gifted to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III also stepped up to the plate by donating concession food items leftover from the Daytona 500 race. According to Chitwood, "More than 20 percent of Floridians reported not having enough money to buy food in the last year." The same holds true for the Phoenix-area and across the country with an average of 1 in 8 senior households being food insecure.

Anyone who wants to lend a helping hand or donate food is invited to participate in "Drive to End Hunger" campaigns. Cash donations in the amount of $10 can be made to AARP Foundation by texting '50555' via cell phones, while donations of any amount can be provided via the foundation's website at www.AARP.org.

Website visitors can also locate local food banks to make food donations or become a volunteer for numerous hunger-relief programs. Additionally, those in need of help can locate local food banks and outreach resources.

Feeding America, formerly known as Second Harvest, is an AARP Foundation sponsor that provides food to U.S. citizens. Feeding America helps feed more than 1 million Americans annually and relies solely on charitable donations. Even as little as dollar can go a long way in helping feed America's hungry.

A dedicated "24" car has been designed in candy apple red with prominent "Drive to End Hunger" logos. The car is scheduled to appear in 22 races throughout the 3-year sponsorship in hopes of driving home the message that America's seniors need help too.

Sources:
"Drive to End Hunger" Initiative
AARP Foundation
Second Harvest Food Bank
Feeding America Food Banks by State
"Drive to End Hunger" on Twitter
"Drive to End Hunger" on Facebook