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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Ventura County, CA, United States, 12/24/2008 - In response to increasing demand for food assistance in our surrounding communities, the Amgen Foundation recently made contributions totaling $200,000 to assist food banks through the holidays, including a $75,000 grant to FOOD Share Ventura County.
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The economic downturn, rising unemployment and food costs have created a tough environment for many this holiday season. Many people are finding themselves having to call on their local food bank for support. In response to increasing demand for food assistance in our surrounding communities, the Amgen Foundation recently made contributions totaling $200,000 to assist food banks through the holidays, including a $75,000 grant to FOOD Share of Ventura County.
“The Amgen Foundation deeply appreciates the work of FOOD Share to provide assistance to those in need in our community,” said Jean J. Lim, president of the Amgen Foundation in Thousand Oaks, CA. “We hope that other businesses and individuals in the community look for ways to support FOOD Share, either through donations or volunteer opportunities.”
FOOD Share is extremely grateful for the generous donation from the Amgen Foundation," said Bonnie Weigel, CEO of FOOD Share based in Oxnard, CA. "The $75,000 grant will allow us to continue our services in partnership with the 155 agencies that we work with throughout Ventura County.”
“Programs like our Brown Bag and Snack Attack Programs are great examples where FOOD Share provides supplemental nutrition to about 1,800 low income seniors through 32 agencies and healthy nutritious after school snacks to approximately 1,800 children though 12 agencies – all countywide,” Weigel said. “With programs like these, and our efforts with the agencies, we are currently providing food to over 40,000 people each month, not just during the holiday season but year round."
About the Amgen Foundation
The Amgen Foundation (amgen.com) seeks to advance science education, improve quality of care and access for patients, and support resources that create sound communities where Amgen staff members live and work.
One of the most important vehicles for Amgen’s corporate philanthropy is the Amgen Foundation. Launched in 1991, the Foundation is an integral component of Amgen’s commitment to dramatically improve people’s lives. To date, the Foundation has contributed close to $110 million to local, regional and national nonprofit organizations that align with the Foundation's mission.
About FOOD Share
A major food bank distributing millions of pounds of food each year to those in need throughout Ventura County, FOOD Share collects and receives food year-round, distributing to more than 155 partner agencies throughout Ventura County.
FOOD Share (foodshare.com) remains proactive in securing nutritious food items to sustain its programs. Every day, dedicated volunteers throughout the entire county give time and talent to help those less fortunate through FOOD Share’s 34,000 sq.-ft. facility in Oxnard, providing food to nearly 40,000 people each month.
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