ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and BUSH’S® Beans today announced they collected over five tons of food for Feeding America and other local food banks as part of their “Team Up Against Hunger” July food drive. The combined efforts will allow Feeding America and other local food banks to provide over 9,000 meals across 35 states. The donation of canned and dry goods comes at an ideal time as the number of food drives traditionally slows down in the summer, and the lack of school-provided meals creates a greater need.
Participating Minor League Baseball teams worked with food banks in their local communities to encourage fans to bring non-perishable food donations to the ballpark on designated July game dates. BUSH’S Beans developed social media messaging, press releases and in-park materials to help each team in the fight against hunger and create awareness for the national food drive. Teams rewarded fans who donated non-perishable food items with incentives such as tickets to a future game or a buy one, get one free ticket offer.
“Minor League Baseball, its teams and its partners are dedicated to making a positive impact on children and families in their communities,” said Heather Raburn, Assistant Director of Partnership Marketing for Minor League Baseball. “We are grateful for this partnership with Bush Brothers, and along with our supportive fan base, we have a platform to be able to give back to those in need during these critical summer months.”
“We are proud to work with nearly 80 Minor League teams from around the country to Team Up Against Hunger. As a family-owned food company, it is important to all of us at BUSH’S to do what we can to help those who are hungry,” said Michael Morris, Senior Brand Manager for BUSH’S Beans.
In addition to donations from fans, BUSH’S Beans and MiLB Charities plan to match the donation total from the top contributing MiLB team. The Dunedin Blue Jays, the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, collected 1,126 pounds of non-perishable food items. BUSH’S Beans and MiLB Charities will match this donation to Dunedin Cares in recognition of the generosity of Dunedin Blue Jays fans.
BUSH’S Beans was named the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball” in December 2016.
About Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.
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About BUSH’S® Beans
BUSH'S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they're the very best. Because we wouldn't serve your family anything less. Since we got our start 110 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH'S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That's why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH'S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com, like us on Facebook or follow BUSH’S® Beans on Instagram and Twitter.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/294c26c7-0384-4bd2-b610-3d020f4727f4