PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Phillies and nonprofit organization Philabundance are once again teaming up to fight hunger.
This is the 11th year for the Phillies’ Phans Feeding Families campaign. Organizers say because of COVID-19, the need has never been greater.
Philabundance CEO Loree Jones said the urgency this year is critical, because tens of thousands of people in the region don’t have enough to eat.
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“We’re still feeling the effects of COVID,” Jones said. “About a year ago we kind of discovered what COVID is. The city, the region shut down and we saw the economic crisis that came along with it. But the reality is a year in, we're still feeling those effects.”
The Phillies aim to help in several ways.
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There’s no food collection at Citizens Bank Park, but there is a virtual food drive.
On the MLB Ballpark app, there is an auction of items autographed by players including Bryce Harper, Didi Gregorius and Aaron Nola, who stars in a public service announcement for the campaign.
The 50/50 drawing at the May 22 game against the Red Sox will also benefit Philabundance.
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“With additional financial support, with additional food donations, we can make sure that individuals, families, children have access to the health food that they need,” Jones said.
The goal of Phans Feeding Families is to raise $75,000.
Thanks to a $50,000 donation from Citizens Bank, the campaign is already two-thirds of the way there.