DAYTON,Ohio, November 14, 2008---WDTN Channel 2's 26th anniversary FOOD FOR FRIENDS campaign begins Wednesday, November 19 and will run through Wednesday, December 24, 2008, with corporate partners Kroger, Dayton Power & Light Company (and Utility Workers Union of America), Jeff Schmitt Auto Group and Wright Patt Credit Union. 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 26th 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 25 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, over 11 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, Greene and Champaign counties.  In addition, our friends from Wright Patt Credit Union and Jeff Schnidt Auot Group will accept monetary donations that will go to The Foodbank to purchase bulk food items.