Target donates $2.3M to Feeding America

MINNEAPOLIS Target announced that it is donating $2.3 million to Feeding America to fund a school food pantry pilot program and its future expansion to more schools nationwide. The program, 'Meals for Minds,' is a partnership with Feeding America and local food banks that will bring food to schools to feed students and families most in need, the company reported. Target also is committing $1.2 million on top of the $2.3 million, to local food banks across the country to support other school-based food programs. The company also is projected to donate more than 20 million pounds of food to children and families in need in 2010.

"Through 'Meals for Minds' and our ongoing partnership with Feeding America and local food banks, Target is helping children focus on learning and their educational future -- not on how or when they will get their next meal," says Laysha Ward, president of community relations for Target.  "Early results of the pilot are encouraging and we're excited to expand the program to even more schools."

Target began piloting the "Meals for Minds" school pantry program this spring in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Miami, Baltimore, Los Angeles and Chicago. The pilot schools were selected by participating food banks, in cooperation with local schools. At each school, 65% to 90% of students qualify for participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.