CHICAGO, IL (May 11, 2011) - Feeding America announced today that Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, has donated $50,000 to support its disaster relief efforts in the southern states hit by recent tornadoes and floods. Feeding America aids disaster relief and recovery by distributing food and grocery products through a network of over 200 food banks that serve more than 61,000 local charitable agencies. Feeding America’s current efforts are focused on assisting individuals and families affected by the tornadoes in Alabama and the Southeast, as well as those impacted by the flooding of the Mississippi River.

“Ford Motor Company has a long-standing history of corporate responsibility and has been a strong partner of Feeding America for more than a decade,” said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. “Through the generosity of Ford and our other corporate partners, we are able to sustain a comprehensive disaster relief program and provide much-needed relief to families.”

“There is no more immediate issue for families and communities than having adequate food and water,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Our partnership with Feeding America gives us the opportunity to make a difference where the need is greatest.”

Feeding America’s network prepares for disasters by pre-staging water, food and grocery products throughout the nation. When a disaster occurs, Feeding America distributes these products immediately and sends trained disaster relief workers to the impacted area to work in cooperation with local organizations and federal, state and local emergency management agencies.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and American heritage and community life. The Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. The award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life program teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through national programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and retirees each year work on projects that better their communities in dozens of countries. For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.