WASHINGTON — In recognition of National Hot Dog Day today, members of the North American Meat Institute worked with Feeding America to donate more than 325,000 hot dogs to foodbanks across the nation for people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Meat Institute members have donated millions of dollars and meat and poultry products to Americans in need since the beginning of this crisis,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “For National Hot Dog Day, we wanted to work with Feeding America because the need is still so great. Our members are providing nutritious protein, but also a comforting and iconic American food for families.”
“Feeding America is grateful to the North American Meat Institute for their commitment to fighting hunger,” said Blake Thompson, chief supply chain officer, Feeding America. “During this challenging time, when food banks are seeing demand rise by as much as 70 percent, support from our partners is critical. The meat industry donations will help many families who struggle to make ends meet.”
Traditionally, National Hot Dog Day activities celebrate the cultural, social and nutritional value of America’s summer favorite, the hot dog. For more than 40 years, the North American Meat Institute has celebrated National Hot Dog Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., serving up hot dogs to lawmakers and their staff in one of the most anticipated events of the year.
This year the economic uncertainty due to COVID-19 has changed this annual celebration into an opportunity for the meat and poultry industry to help millions of Americans turning to food banks, many for the first time, to feed their families.
The North American Meat Institute is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. The Meat Institute’s members process the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, as well as manufacture the equipment and ingredients needed to produce the safest and highest quality meat and poultry products.
NAMI and the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council serve as information resources to consumers and media on questions related to quality, safety, nutrition and preparation of hot dogs and sausages. The council also celebrates hot dogs and sausages as iconic American foods.
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.
For more information, or to donate, visit https://www.feedingamerica.org/.
