WDTN kicks off 27th FOOD FOR FRIENDS

DAYTON, Ohio, (WDTN) - WDTN Channel 2's 27th anniversary FOOD FOR FRIENDS campaign begins Wednesday, November 18 and will run through Thursday, December 24, 2009, with corporate partners Kroger, Dayton Power & Light Company (and Utility Workers Union of America) and Papa John’s Pizza. Plans for the six-week community service project to feed needy families throughout the Miami Valley were announced by Sharon D. Howard, WDTN-TV Executive Director of Community and Public Relations.

"This is the 27th year for the FOOD FOR FRIENDS campaign," Ms. Howard said. “All of us at Channel 2 are extremely appreciative of the support we’ve received over the past 26 years and proud to assist the families we’ve been able to help. "Last year we collected over 300,000 non-perishable food items. This year, there is an even greater need to feed hungry families throughout the participating counties in our coverage area.”

Channel 2 provides food barrels to Kroger Stores throughout the Miami Valley. The station uses promotional spots, public service announcements, 2News feature stories, and special segments on WDTN public affairs programs to encourage Miami Valley residents to make a campaign contribution.

Since 1982 when WDTN developed the first FOOD FOR FRIENDS campaign, nearly 12 million food items have been collected and distributed to needy families through The Foodbank of Dayton and food pantries throughout the region.

FOOD FOR FRIENDS barrels will be located in Kroger stores throughout Montgomery, Logan, Preble, Clark, Clinton, Miami, Shelby, Darke, and Greene counties. In addition, our friends from Papa John’s Pizza will accept monetary donations and will be sponsoring campaign promotions that will go to foodbanks to purchase bulk food items.