American Airlines donates more than 500,000 lbs. of food in COVID-19 relief
Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit, American Airlines has donated more than half a million pounds of food to communities in need. A surplus of food was sitting in American Airlines facilities in the United States and abroad just a few weeks ago. To ensure the product would not go to waste, the airline used the opportunity to support food banks, nonprofit organizations, schools and other groups that are fighting against food insecurity, including the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Staff members at the Los Angeles LGBT Center opened a Pride Pantry to help the those who were lacking access to food. On May 29, American donated granola bars; pretzels; orange juice; and power bites boxes that included crackers, asiago cheese spread, protein bars, almonds, fruit snacks, and cookies. In total, American donated more than 11,000 lbs. of food to the organization.
Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Director of Culinary Training and Operations Nick Panepinto said the donations will make a huge impact on the community and will help provide them resources that they otherwise would not have.
“Many of our clients and community members are experiencing food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “Thanks to partners like American Airlines, the Center's Pride Pantry is now open and able to help nourish LGBTQ people with food and compassion."
Since the first donation made March 27, American has donated more than 420,000 meals to nearly 30 different organizations.
Banner Health in Phoenix received a donation from American to support hospital workers.
“We are grateful to American Airlines for supporting Banner Health’s frontline workers as they care for patients during this pandemic,” said Andy Kramer Petersen, Banner Health Foundation’s President and CEO. “As Arizona’s largest health care provider, Banner is working diligently to respond to escalating health care needs while keeping our employees safe and supported. These acts of kindness from businesses like American Airlines remind our teams how much the community respects them and appreciates their hard work and sacrifices.”
Other U.S. cities, including Chicago, Dallas and Philadelphia, and international cities, such as Budapest, Hong Kong, London and Paris, have also received donations.
American donates 500,000 lbs. of food
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, American Airlines has donated more than 500,000 lbs. of unused food items to nonprofit organizations around the world. Valued at more than $1 million, the food items are filling the depleted shelves of facilities that are facing shortages due to an increase in demand.
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