ST. LOUIS, MO (June 26, 2009) —  Between June 15-20, this community collected more than 133,400 pounds of food during United Way’s FoodShare food drive held at more than 100 companies and eight participating Schnucks stores. That equates to 106,720 meals for people in need in our region. The food is currently being distributed to the more than 500 food pantries supported by St. Louis Area Foodbank.

“What a great week,” said Ray Bernick, vice president, UPS. “The people in this community are so caring. They stepped up and helped people through United Way by donating more than 133,400 pounds of food. That is simply wonderful.

“We could not have accomplished this without all the help we received from our volunteers, the vehicles and drivers from UPS, UniGroup and Laclede Gas who transported the donations, union support and especially from the more than 100 companies that participated and the good people of this community who donated non-perishable items to United Way’s FoodShare food drive.”

United Way of Greater St. Louis held its FoodShare food drive to help meet the increasing demand of people using food pantries. The St. Louis Area Foodbank, a United Way partner agency, is reporting a 20 percent increase in food requests from people in the past several months due to unemployment. Seven out of every ten of those requests are from people who have never used a food pantry before.

Photos available: http://picasaweb.google.com/UnitedWayMedia/FoodSharePressConferenceAtStLouisAreaFoodbank#

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

The United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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