Dec. 14, 2010
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The LMU baseball team launched its first annual food drive to help feed the hungry throughout Los Angeles County. The baseball team is working hand-in-hand with The Los Angeles County Food Bank to make sure that nobody goes hungry during this holiday season.
Malnutrition is one of the biggest global health issues today and many people are unaware that it's happening in our own backyard. Each year 1.6 million people in the Los Angeles area suffer from malnutrition, equating to one out of every six people who are battling this issue.
"We wanted to reach out to our local community, especially during the holiday season, to make an impact on those who are struggling to feed themselves and their families," said Martin Viramontes, redshirt junior pitcher. "With a little help from local athletic teams, events like these are able to take place and impact the lives of others."
The LMU baseball team has been receiving generous canned food donations from members of the team. Their efforts are what allow programs like the Los Angeles County Food Bank to operate and ultimately feed the mouths of those in need of food. "We have collected a little over 150 cans of food that will be donated just in time for the holidays," said Viramontes.
With millions of people suffering from malnutrition right here in our community, a donation of any size can go a long way. This food drive has hopes of becoming an annual event, allowing athletes to continue contributing to those in need of food.
"It is inspiring to see athletes become more aware of global and local issues around the world. We hope that our contributions will make a positive impact and help aid our local communities," said Viramontes.
About Los Angeles Regional Foodbank
Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is a nonprofit charitable organization that has been serving the disadvantaged of our community since 1973. The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is a partner with Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest). Feeding America is the nation's largest non-governmental, domestic hunger relief organization. As a partner, we follow the guidelines put forth by the network and are subject to monitoring. Los Angeles Regional Foodbank upholds the highest standards of charitable food distribution. We are also connected to and cooperate with food banks throughout the country.
To visit the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank website and make a donation, please visit:
Los Angeles Regional Foodbank
