Targets Hunger Crisis in Western Washington and Beyond
Seattle, WA (March, 3rd, 2020) — Dozens of local business, tech and community leaders packed the Hunger Solution Center committing to fund over 350,000 meals to solve hunger during the kick-off celebration for the Indian American Council (IAC) for Food Lifeline on Saturday, Feb. 29.
With the rallying cry of “HungerMitao!,” meaning Wipe Out Hunger, the council aims to raise hunger awareness, improve engagement, and channel resources and contributions of the region’s Indian American community in support of Food Lifeline’s mission.
Philanthropists and co-founders of the Indian American Council, Raj and Aradhana “Anna” Asava originally launched the IAC in Dallas for the North Texas Food Bank in September 2017. “The IAC is a volunteer movement which enables us to increase our impact exponentially through collective philanthropy,” said Aradhana.
The Asavas have since spurred similar movements in Atlanta, Houston, New York and, now, Western Washington.
“In the spirit of ‘give where you live,’ the Indian American community has provided 7 million meals through food banks across the country in just two years,” said Raj. “We are confident that Food Lifeline will soon see the impact of an engaged Indian American community”.
An exciting legacy-building opportunity was also announced at the launch: individuals and businesses who commit to funding the IAC’s first 1 million meals for Food Lifeline will be inducted into the IAC Founders Circle. Many participants have already stepped up and committed to the “HungerMitao” movement!
In addition, Food Lifeline is hosting a recurring volunteer opportunity especially for Seattle’s Indian American community on every Saturday of each month. The first session will take place on Saturday, March 21st, from 1:30-4 pm at Food Lifeline’s Hunger Solution Center. Space is limited to 50 people so secure your spot today at: http://indianamericancouncil.foodlifeline.volunteerhub.com/
“We cannot thank the Asavas, and all who attended the kick-off event, enough for their amazing show of support right out of the gate. The Indian American community in Seattle has always shown support for Food Lifeline but to have this dedicated group form an official council solidifies their commitment to helping those facing hunger. We look forward to this meaningful new partnership,” said Linda Nageotte, CEO of Food Lifeline.
For more information about Food Lifeline’s Indian American Council, visit foodlifeline.org/hungermitao or contact Mitra Karami, Major Gifts Officer, at mitrak@foodlifeline.org.
About Food Lifeline
Food Lifeline works to end hunger with the food, people and big ideas needed to ensure our neighbors have the nourishment to lead healthy and productive lives. Far too many people in our own community experience hunger every day, including children, seniors and working families. Through more than 300 nonprofit partners, we help more than 755,000 people get healthy food every year. Our goal is that all hungry people across Seattle and Western Washington will have access to nutritious meals they need when they need them. It takes the power of our whole community to make that possible. Join us at foodlifeline.org
About the Indian American Council
The Indian American Council for the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB-IAC) was formed to raise awareness, improve engagement, as well as channel resources and contributions of the Indian American community towards NTFB’s mission of a hunger-free community. In two years since its formation, the purely volunteer run Indian American Council has enabled 7 million meals for those served by North Texas Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, Food Bank for New York City and Atlanta Community Food Bank.
For more information about Food Lifeline’s Indian American Council, visit foodlifeline.org/hungermitao
