Consumers Can Share “Thankful” Comments on Facebook and Help Provide Meals to Feeding America

MARSHALL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The old expression “Be thankful for what you have” can now be restated as “Be thankful for what you have and you can help others,” thanks to a new campaign announced by Schwan’s Home Service.

“Now, we invite people everywhere to take the time to stop and remember something for which they are thankful, share it, and, in the process, join us to help solve hunger.”

On August 30, 2013, Schwan’s Home Service will kick off its “Open the Door to Thankful” campaign. Each time a consumer shares a few words about something for which they are thankful on the Schwan’s™ Facebook app, Schwan’s Home Service will donate five meals* to Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization. The posts will also appear on consumers’ Facebook walls and there is no limit to the number of times one can post why they are thankful. The program runs through October 11, 2013.

“Sometimes, instead of feeling grateful for the important people or things in our lives, we take them for granted,” said Mike Gerend, president, Schwan’s Home Service. “Now, we invite people everywhere to take the time to stop and remember something for which they are thankful, share it, and, in the process, join us to help solve hunger.”

To launch the program, Schwan’s Home Service will donate an initial 250,000 meals to Feeding America and invite consumers nationwide to join and add to the donation with their own “thankfuls.” In addition, every Thursday during the campaign, until October 10, the meal donation for each “thankful” shared by consumers will be doubled to 10 meals to honor “Thankful Thursday.”

Schwan’s Home Service is proud of its work with Feeding America and its dedication to help provide meals to children and families who struggle with hunger. The Schwan Food Company, the parent company of Schwan’s Home Service, has supported some 57 food banks in 25 states and has given more than 1.6 million pounds of food in the past year. In addition, employees at several company locations nationwide volunteer at their local food banks and agencies, as well as have food and fund drives for Feeding America member food banks.

In 2012, Feeding America member Second Harvest Heartland, the Upper Midwest’s largest hunger relief organization, recognized Schwan’s as a “Hunger Hero” because of its food donations and commitment in the fight against hunger.

“We are beyond thankful for our partnership with Schwan’s Home Service,” said Leah Ray, VP Corporate Partnerships at Feeding America. “The meals they will donate through this unique campaign will help feed the more than 50 million Americans who struggle with hunger. We look forward to continuing the relationship.”

*Up to 500,000 donated meals. $1 helps provide 9 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local food banks. Maximum donation of $55,555.

About Schwan’s Home Service, Inc.:A subsidiary of The Schwan Food Company, Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. markets and distributes more than 350 top quality frozen foods through home-delivery and mail-order services. Popular product lines include the company’s signature ice cream, pizza, choice meats, seafood, ethnic specialties, breakfast items and desserts. Based in Minnesota, Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. has over 400 local sales and distribution centers across the continental United States. Visit Schwans.com or call 1-888-SCHWANS (1-888-724-9267).

About Feeding America:Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.FeedingAmerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.