Nov. 5, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays are a time for giving, and people often are eager to spread holiday cheer to those in need. But while many people are planning what they will eat during holiday feasts, people in food insecure households may be wondering if they will eat. According to a recent Associated Press article, one in six, or 47.7 million, Americans lived in poverty last year.

That's why Cargill, through its Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms turkey brands, is partnering with Feeding America, the nation's largest charitable hunger relief organization, to provide 1.6 million meals to hungry Americans.

"We are delighted that the Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms brands are making this generous donation at a time when more and more people are seeking help from our food banks," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "Each dollar provides seven meals for families struggling with hunger. Cargill's donation of $235,000 will have a significant impact on communities across the country. It is wonderful to see such generosity from companies that care about people in a very difficult economic time."

Chris Seib, Cargill senior marketing manager, says the company is honored to work with Feeding America. "We not only feel a responsibility for providing people great tasting turkey products, but also giving back to communities where we work and do business. From a whole turkey for a large family gathering, to a bone-in turkey breast for a more intimate affair, every Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms product purchased supports our company's contribution to Feeding America."

For information about the Feeding America partnership, or more great turkey products and recipes on a budget, visit www.honeysucklewhite.com and www.shadybrookfarms.com.

About Cargill

Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 159,000 people in 68 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit www.cargill.com.

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 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. Feeding America is headquartered in Chicago. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org.

SOURCE Cargill