Program Supports Wisconsin Hunger Task Force and Paul's Pantry
With Thursday's season opener vs. the New Orleans Saints, the Green Bay Packers and Sargento are embarking on their ninth season working together to support "Touchdowns for Charity," a program that raises money for the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee and Paul's Pantry in Green Bay.
For each touchdown scored by the Packers during the 2011 regular season, Sargento – the official cheese of the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field – will donate $1,000 to the Hunger Task Force. Additionally, Sargento is donating $500 to Paul's Pantry for every touchdown scored by a Packers wide receiver or tight end.
"As the official cheese of the Green Bay Packers, we're thrilled to show our unwavering support of the hometown team while helping distribute food to those in need," stated Louie Gentine, president and chief customer officer of Sargento Foods Inc. "We look forward to maintaining last year's excitement and watching the Green and Gold embark on another great season."
Since partnering nine years ago, has contributed more than $675,000 to Wisconsin food charities. During the 2010 post-season, Sargento doubled the contribution during the first three playoff games, and then further increased it for the victory in Super Bowl XLV with $5,000 and $2,500 donations per TDs, respectively, which resulted in totals of $20,000 (on four TDs) for the Hunger Task Force and $7,500 (on three receiving TDs) for Paul's Pantry.
During Packers home games, announcements will be made after every touchdown indicating the support for the program. Packers.com will feature a Sargento banner logo with the up-to-date total as well.
Sargento, a family-owned, Wisconsin-based company, is supporting Packers' licensing throughout Wisconsin grocery retailers during the season with in-store displays and special product promotions to generate excitement with Packers fans. Sargento is also present at Lambeau in concessions with cheeseburgers featuring Sargento Deli Style Cheddar cheese. To learn more about Sargento visit www.sargento.com.
About Sargento
Sargento Foods Inc. has demonstrated its passion for cheese and cheese-based solutions throughout its history. Founded in 1953 in Plymouth, Wis., Sargento is a leading manufacturer, packager and marketer of natural shredded, sliced and snack cheeses, cheese appetizers, ingredients, sauces and other culinary solutions. Sargento is owned and operated by the Gentine family, and has net sales of more than $975 million.
About Hunger Task Force
A United Way agency, the Hunger Task Force is the only major food bank in Milwaukee County that provides all of its food to area pantries free of charge. The agency believes that every person has the right to adequate food obtained with dignity, and works to prevent and alleviate hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve food security tomorrow.
About Paul's Pantry
Since 1984, Paul's Pantry has distributed over 80 million pounds of food to the needy of Brown County. Paul's Pantry was one of the first food pantries to seek available surplus food from the marketplace and relies entirely on the community for its donations. Its goal is to provide a family with enough food every week for as long as needed, so that they may use their food dollars to avoid homelessness.
