PHILADELPHIA -- Citizens, Philabundance, and the Philadelphia Phillies, along with Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola, are seeking hunger heroes to step up to the plate to help fight the region’s growing food insecurity crisis, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19. The 2021 Phans Feeding Families campaign, which is looking to raise $75,000 for Philabundance’s hunger relief efforts, will feature ways for the public to show their support virtually and in-person.

Citizens Mid-Atlantic President Daniel K. Fitzpatrick kicked off the virtual food drive today at Citizens Bank Park with a $50,000 contribution from the bank, which will provide up to 100,000 meals to individuals and families in desperate need.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is not just making Americans sick, it’s leaving many hungry as well,” said Loree D. Jones, Philabundance CEO. “Thousands right here in the Philadelphia region are still struggling to feed their families. That’s why we are so grateful for the continued support from Citizens and the Phillies during these difficult times.”

Members of the public can support the campaign by doing the following:

• Donate to the Phans Feeding Families Virtual Food Drive. Supporters can virtually donate Philabundance’s most-needed food items, such as rice, peanut butter, or vegetables by visiting https://www.philabundance.org/phans-feeding-families/ or by texting PHANSFEED to 44-321. Supporters can also choose to donate from as little as a dollar to gifts of $1,000 or more. Food donations will not be accepted in-person at Philabundance or Citizens Bank Park.
• Bid on over a dozen new and game-used autographed memorabilia during the Phillies Charities, Inc. Auction benefitting Philabundance via the MLB Ballpark App from April 20-May 24. Auction items include baseballs, jerseys and more signed by players such as Aaron Nola, Didi Gregorius, Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, Andrew Knapp, Andrew McCutchen, Roman Quinn and Zack Wheeler, as well as manager Joe Girardi. 
• Take part in the Phans Feeding Families Night, Saturday, May 22, when the Phillies take on the Boston Red Sox at 7:15 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park. Awareness about the cause will be made throughout the game. In addition, fans can participate in the Phillies Charities 50/50 Drawing, presented by DraftKings**,** in which a portion of the proceeds will benefit Philabundance.
• Follow Philabundance on social media.
• Share Phans Feeding Families social posts with your personal networks.
• Spread awareness to fight hunger using #PhansFeed on social media.

Philabundance has long played a critical role in Greater Philadelphia as it works to drive hunger from our communities and end hunger for good. The organization serves approximately 135,000 people each week – a number that continues to grow due to the impact of the pandemic – children, seniors, college students, single parents and people who are working.

“The hunger crisis our region is experiencing right now is the worst we’ve witnessed since we started this campaign in 2011,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President of Citizens, Mid-Atlantic Region. “We hope that those who are in a position to give can step up and support Philabundance during this time of extreme need.”

Phillies All-Star and Phans Ambassador, Aaron Nola, has also been lending his support in the campaign to help strike out hunger. He is featured in a new public service announcement for Phans Feeding Families.

“There are far too many families in our area who are struggling to put food on the table,” said Nola. “If we want to strike out hunger, we’ve got to do it together. Our Phans Feeding Families initiative is a great way to help make a difference to those who need it most.”

In addition to the Phillies and Citizens, Aramark, The GIANT Company, Goya Foods, Hatfield Quality Meats, SEPTA and Tri-State Toyota Dealers are supporting Philabundance as partners in the 2021 campaign.

“Each week, more than 135,000 individuals from the Philadelphia area are relying on Philabundance to provide them with a meal to eat,” said Phillies Executive Vice President David Buck. “It’s a statistic that shows just how dire the situation is, which is why we need to do all that we can to make an impact. We thank our fans, partners and Aaron Nola for joining us in this important initiative.”

Since Phans Feeding Families began in 2011, the campaign has raised more than $500,000 for hunger relief efforts. To date, with fan support of funds and food, more than one million meals have been provided to families in need.