Citizens Bank, Phillies aiding Philabundance

Photo by Miles Kennedy/Phillies.

The 2022 Phans Feeding Families Campaign is stepping up to the plate.

The Philadelphia Phillies, in partnership with Citizens Bank and Philabundance, announced plans for the annual campaign to support hunger relief efforts in the Philadelphia region during a news conference featuring Phillies All-Star and Phans ambassador Aaron Nola.

Citizens made a generous $50,000 contribution to kick off this year’s food drive, which has raised more than a half-million dollars since it began in 2011. Citizens’ donation will provide up to 100,000 meals to individuals and families in need. 

“Alleviating hunger is one of Citizens’ core giving pillars, and Phans Feeding Families has proven to be a great way to raise awareness for this vital cause,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic President, Citizens. “We’re thankful to our partners in this effort and invite the public to join us in raising funds to help our neighbors in need.”

The campaign is reaching out to local residents for help and interested donors can contribute in several different ways.

The easiest way is to donate to the Phans Feeding Families Food Drive by virtually donating Philabundance’s most-needed food items, such as rice, peanut butter or vegetables, by visiting philabundance.org/phans-feeding-families or by texting PHANSFEED to 44-321. Supporters can also choose to donate from as little as one dollar to $1,000 or more.

Those heading to the Phillies game on June 14 when the host club takes on the Miami Marlins can drop food donations at the gate as Citizens Bank Park hosts Phans Feeding Families Night. That night, $4 of each ticket will benefit Philabundance. 

Fans can stop by the Third Base Plaza to digitally purchase food for the cause, courtesy of The Giant Company, which will also be on site with fan giveaways. Those who donate will also have the chance to meet 1993 National League champion Mickey Morandini.

A 50-50 drawing that night will also donate a portion of the proceeds to Philabundance, which is headquartered on Galloway Street in South Philly and serves about 135,000 people each week.

“Your generous donations to Philabundance will help us provide more of our neighbors in need with food to feed their families. We believe that no one should go hungry and are thankful for this opportunity to partner with incredible donors to provide meals to the community,” said Loree D. Jones, CEO of Philabundance. “Our city and region have seen hunger increase dramatically during this pandemic. Philabundance has witnessed this growing need, but we have also witnessed the incredible generosity of our donors, volunteers and partners. We are so happy to be here today to kick off the Phans Feeding Families campaign with Citizens and the Phillies.”

Fans can also take part in an auction and bid on several items of game-used memorabilia via the MLB Ballpark App from June 9-15. Auction items include baseballs, jerseys and more signed by players such as Aaron Nola, Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, Rhys Hoskins and Didi Gregorius as well as manager Joe Girardi. 

“No one should ever go to bed hungry. Yet each week more than 135,000 individuals from the Philadelphia area are relying on Philabundance to provide them with their next meal,” said David Buck, Phillies executive vice president. “This number continues to grow, making the Phans Feeding Families mission more important than ever. We thank our fans, partners and Aaron Nola for helping us drive hunger from our communities.”