Morgan Stanley Foundation Announces Over $1 Million in Grants to Child Hunger-Relief Programs
NEW YORK, July 9, 2014 /3BL Media/ –The Morgan Stanley Foundation today announced more than $1 million in grants to local food banks and their hunger-relief programs that deliver nutritious meals to children and families. The awards will support critical childhood feeding programs across 27 cities in 17 different states.
The grants are the latest step in Morgan Stanley’s $13 million commitment to Feeding America and its network of local food banks that distribute millions of meals every year to children and families across the United States. Earlier this month, Morgan Stanley announced Healthy Cities, a philanthropy program where Feeding America is a lead national partner. This innovative initiative brings together national and local nonprofit organizations to create a linked network of nutritious food, safe play spaces, and wellness education and screening for children in neighborhoods in need.
“For over 40 years, we have focused our community efforts on having a positive impact on children’s health to help children reach their full potential,” said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy. “Our partnership with Feeding America is a key part to giving children in need the healthy start they need for lifelong achievement, and we are proud that thousands of our employees also volunteer their time to help local food banks support their communities.”
Across the country, Feeding America puts nutritious food directly into the hands of children at risk of hunger through a series of programs, including its BackPack Program and School Pantry Program. These initiatives work directly with families to provide consistent sources of nutrition-dense foods.
“Morgan Stanley remains an important partner for Feeding America as we marshal resources in the fight against hunger,” said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. “We’re thankful for Morgan Stanley’s dedication to our efforts and especially for their focus on children’s health. Food insecurity and hunger are serious threats to children, and the nation’s economic growth depends on the health, development and well-being of our children.”
Nationwide, child hunger is a critical problem. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, nearly 16 million children in the U.S. lack consistent access to the minimum amounts of nutritious food considered necessary for a healthy life. Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap research indicates more than one in five children in 37 states and Washington, D.C., do not have access to enough nutritious food to learn, grow and thrive.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 43 countries. Through its Global Alliance for Children’s Health, the Firm is dedicated to improving the lives and welfare of the world’s youngest citizens. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.
About Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.
