NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Morgan Stanley Foundation today announced its renewed commitment to hunger relief through a new $8 million, four-year pledge to Feeding America to support children’s hunger and produce programs. This grant will build on the Firm’s $13 million previous support to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief charity. Since Morgan Stanley’s partnership with Feeding America launched in 2009, over 11,000 employees have volunteered more than 60,000 hours with Feeding America food banks, and over 50 million meals have been distributed.
“Feeding America and its network of local food banks are key partners in Morgan Stanley’s mission to help ensure every child has the essentials they need for a healthy start in life,” said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley and President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation. “Regular access to nutritious food is a critical component of that mission, and we are proud to support this program both financially and through our employee volunteers.”
The key components of the grant will expand the firm’s Flex Grants program, to help twenty-five local food banks start, grow and sustain childhood feeding programs annually. It will also include training and strategic planning support to assist the local food banks in extending the benefits of the grants long beyond the grant cycle to ensure sustained services to the community. Through the grant, the firm also committed funds this year to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables for children, through a new initiative that increases its food banks’ ability to access, transport and store fresh produce.
“We are thrilled to receive this $8 million gift from Morgan Stanley to provide more nutritious meals to children and families in need,” said Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America. “Morgan Stanley’s newest gift is an extension of its long-standing commitment to Feeding America and our mission. We are grateful to count Morgan Stanley as a visionary partner in the fight to end hunger.”
These awards build on the Morgan Stanley Foundation’s longstanding commitment to children’s health. Feeding America also serves as a lead national partner in the United States for Morgan Stanley Healthy Cities, an innovative initiative that brings together national and local nonprofits to create a linked network of nutritious food, safe play spaces, and wellness education and health screening for children and families of communities in need.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 43 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.
About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs 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. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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