The Tribune

DECLARING that no one should go hungry during the holiday period while others are feasting, AML Foods Limited and mobile phone operator Aliv announced a partnership with the Bahamas Feeding Network for what they call the most ambitious charitable campaign in the network's history.

They aim to raise $100,000 to put food on tables of families who might otherwise go hungry during the holidays.

The campaign, called Feed 5,000 Families, will start in AML's eight stores today and run through December 17, with customers able to donate $40 holiday meal packages in full or contribute to the make-up of a package at the checkout counter.

AML Foods has pledged $20,000 to the feeding fund to jumpstart the initiative.

In Nassau, participating stores include Solomon's Fresh Market, Cost Right Wholesale, Solomon's Super Centre and the new Solomon's Yamacraw store.

In Grand Bahama, donations can be made at Solomon's locations there and Cost Right Wholesale Freeport.

Meanwhile, Aliv customers can participate by texting FEEDAML to 2648 to make a donation.

"This is the most amazing donation and an incredible partnership. We cannot thank AML Foods enough, especially for understanding the need," said Philip Smith, executive director of the Feeding Network. "And this year we are really grateful Aliv has joined the effort and is making it so easy to donate."

He added: "There is nothing more heart-wrenching than to look into a hungry person's eyes and see the sadness. It is bad any time of year, but over the holidays it can tear your heart out."

The Bahamas Feeding Network's team of volunteers prepares and distributes more than 2,200 meals weekly in an ongoing campaign to end hunger.

Every $40 donation will buy a food parcel that includes a picnic ham, whole chicken, five-pound bag of rice, two cans of peas, two cans of vegetables and a box of stuffing. The package will comfortably feed a family of four.

No purchase is necessary to make a donation.