FOOD Share launches 5th Annual CAN-tree Collection, Seeks 200,000 Pounds of Food

FOOD Share will launch its inaugural Share16 Holiday Campaign and 2016 CAN-tree Collection drive with a kick-off breakfast held at its warehouse on Thursday October 13th, 8:30am-9:30am.  Community, business, and agricultural leaders from across Ventura County will gather at the regional food bank headquarters to celebrate the season of giving and pledge their support to helping FOOD Share achieve its 2016-2017 service goal. 

Last year, FOOD Share served a record breaking 13 million meals to the 1 in 6 Ventura County residents that is food insecure. To rebuild its reserves and meet its commitment to feeding the hungry, FOOD Share is seeking $5 million dollars in its Share16 Holiday Drive.  Additionally, FOOD Share hopes to generate the 200,000 pounds of canned food needed to restock its warehouse shelves for the winter months through its signature holiday event, the CAN-tree Collection, taking place at The Collection at RiverPark, December 2nd-4th. 

FOOD Share selected Sommer Frisk, Vice President and Market Manager of Cumulus Media, as its Chair for the 5th Annual CAN-tree Collection. 

“Having been personally affected by hunger and food insecurity in my lifetime, I’m honored and humbled to now be in a position to give back to our community and to be recognized as the 2016 CAN-tree Collection Chair,” said Frisk, a life-long Ventura County resident.  “This event is truly a vibrant and tangible display of love and gratitude, and I encourage everyone to join us in giving back to our friends and neighbors who need us at this most difficult time of the year.”  

As the county’s most festive event, CAN-tree draws together corporations, local businesses, community organizations, and families to build over 300 holiday trees made of canned goods.  Last year’s event collected a record-breaking 201,200 pounds of food in just three days. 

“Our Share16 Holiday campaign comes at a critical time of the year when the most financial support from our community is needed,” said Bonnie Atmore, President and CEO of FOOD Share.  “We hope that the CAN-tree event will give us the boost we need to help close the meal gap this holiday season, and are so grateful to our partners Cumulus Media and The Collection at RiverPark for their continued support.”