Grain Foods Foundation and Ted Allen Launch the Bread Art Project to Benefit Feeding America

RIDGWAY, CO, April 7, 2009 — One in eight Americans is struggling with hunger and more than 36 million are at risk of hunger. Given the troubled economy, consumers across the country are facing the difficulty of providing for their families, and many have turned to relief agencies to put meals on the table. The non-profit Grain Foods Foundation and Food Network host Ted Allen have teamed up with Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief organization, to provide up to one million pounds of food for those in need.

Feeding America is seeing a 30 percent increase in demand on its food banks nationwide compared to just one year ago. To alleviate the increased pressure on these important resources, the Grain Foods Foundation recently launched the Bread Art Project at www.gowiththegrain.org, where consumers can create a personalized piece of bread art -- at no cost -- by uploading a favorite drawing or photo, or designing a new one using a digital slice of bread as the canvas. For each piece of bread art created, the Grain Foods Foundation will donate $1 to Feeding America(1). One dollar provides seven meals or four bags of groceries to the 25 million people served by food banks annually.

"The diversity of those affected by the hunger epidemic is astonishing, and it is an honor to be participating in such an extraordinary campaign to help our neighbors in need," Allen said. "Combining three of my passions -- food, art and philanthropy -- for a worthy cause is a recipe everyone can agree is in good taste. I encourage everyone to take part in this initiative, which is a free and easy way to help provide healthy meals for struggling families."

The more bread art consumers create, the more meals Feeding America can put on the table for families across the country. Consumers can also view bread art from around the country and check out some of Allen's own designs as they take a virtual tour of the gallery of giving at www.gowiththegrain.org.