AAA accepting cash and cans to fuel hope, fight hunger

Public invited to make donations at any AAA location this summer

By AAA of Western and Central New York

AAA Western and Central New York is accepting donations to help fight hunger as part of a nationwide effort to provide at least 5 million meals to help those in need. The public can drop off nonperishable food donations or make monetary contributions at any AAA WCNY branch until Aug. 31.

All donations will support local food banks at a time when food insecurity is at its highest level in more than a decade. As part of the second annual campaign, AAA is partnering with Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization, which includes area food banks such as FeedMore WNY, Foodlink in Rochester, the Food Bank of CNY, and Watertown Urban Mission.

“Last year we exceeded our goals, and this year we are aiming to collect 2,500 pounds of food and raise $2,500,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA WCNY. “AAA associates have come together to support the effort, and we’re hoping more AAA members and the general public will do the same.”

During volunteer week in June, AAA WCNY had 27 volunteers contribute 10 hours of service at the four aforementioned local food banks. Their efforts helped generate more than 11,000 meals and 700 food boxes for families in need.

In addition, 14 AAA volunteers participated in a food drive with Buffalo Bills player Dion Dawkins and FeedMore WNY, collecting 1,381 pounds of food – equivalent to more than 1,150 meals.

“I’m so proud of the efforts that are taking place to support those in need. This goes beyond providing meals by bringing comfort, dignity and hope to people facing difficult circumstances,” said AAA Western and Central New York President and CEO Marke Dickinson. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our communities.”

Food insecurity is present in every community in the U.S. and is not caused by a shortage of food, but by barriers that keep people from accessing enough food to live well.  

Anyone can experience food insecurity regardless of background, race or ZIP code. It can be the result of a short-term setback, such as a layoff, or long-term circumstances like managing a chronic health condition. An estimated 47 million people (1 in 7) experience food insecurity in the U.S.

Feeding America supports tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250-plus food banks, 20-plus statewide food bank associations, 10-plus regional co-ops and 60,000-plus agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. 

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

$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.