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 26 cities in 18 different states and the District of Columbia.
The grants are the latest step in Morgan Stanley’s more than $14 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. Last month, Morgan Stanley announced Healthy Cities, a philanthropic 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 at Morgan Stanley. “Our partnership with Feeding America is a key part to giving children 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 helps provide nutritious food to 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 supply consistent sources of nutrient-rich foods.
“Morgan Stanley remains an important partner for Feeding America as we work together in the fight against hunger,” said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. “We’re thankful for Morgan Stanley’s dedication to our work and its ongoing commitment to children’s health. Food insecurity and hunger are serious threats to children and their families, and our 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 United States 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 is a nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 37 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.
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Media Relations
Matt Burkhard,
212-761-2444
