AAA partners with Feeding America in movement to end hunger

National effort launches June 23 to bring millions of meals to local communities nationwide

By AAA of Western and Central New York

On Monday, AAA announced the launch of its grassroots giving campaign spanning local communities right here at home and across America. This nationwide effort aims to provide at least 3.5 million meals to people in need at a time when food insecurity has reached its highest point in over a decade. $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks.

“AAA believes that everyone should have access to food, and no one should go hungry, but one in seven people and one in five children do face hunger in our country,” said Marke Dickinson, president and CEO at AAA Western and Central New York. “With this nationwide campaign, we’re turning compassion into action and working together for a hunger-free future. All the donations collected at AAA Western and Central New York, from canned goods to cash, will feed our local communities, and I’m grateful for everyone who is supporting us in this effort.”

AAA joins the Feeding America network, which helps tens of millions of people experiencing food insecurity gain access to the food and resources they need to thrive. Local food banks, including FeedMore WNY, Foodlink in Rochester, and the Food Bank of CNY, are all part of Feeding America, so campaign support will directly benefit local communities.

The public is encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations or monetary contributions to any AAA Western and Central New York branch through July 31.

With AAA's expansive reach, which includes thousands of dedicated associates and millions of valued members, AAA aims to raise awareness, generate donations, volunteer time, and engage local communities to build a hunger-free America.

"Hunger is a challenge we can overcome by working together," said Lauren Biedron, senior vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. "We are excited to join hands with AAA who understand the urgent need to address the hunger crisis and share in our belief that food insecurity is about more than food. It's about ensuring everyone has access to the resources needed to thrive."

In every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet, in 2023, 47 million people – approximately 1 in 7 – experienced food insecurity in the U.S. The increased cost of living, coupled with increasingly limited access to food, is creating a national hunger crisis.

During “Week of Impact” from June 23-27, AAA teams will be volunteering at local food banks across the region. AAA selected this week to focus on donation and volunteer efforts, as this is when many children are finishing school and often experience food insecurity. In 2023 alone, 13.8 million children did not have the food they needed to thrive.

Join AAA in making a difference. Together, we can help end hunger and support our neighbors in need. To learn more about ways to get involved, visit www.westerncentralnyaaa.com/blog/help-end-hunger-aaa-and-feeding-america.

If you are in need of food assistance or know someone who is, find your local food bank: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank to get connected for resources.

More about Feeding America

Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security, and work to address factors that impact food security – such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 866,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.