Ford/Quick Lane helps Feeding America tackle hunger

DEARBORN, Mich. (Nov. 14, 2014) — Ford Motor Co.'s Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center franchise organization is teaming up with the Feeding America non-profit to tackle hunger.

Starting Nov. 14, supporters of the initiative can make a $10 donation to Feeding America by texting MEAL to 50555. The campaign will culminate at the Quick Lane Bowl on Dec. 26 at Ford Field in Detroit; Quick Lane is title sponsor for the inaugural college football game that will air nationally on ESPN.

Feeding America called hunger an issue that affects one in six Americans. The 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization operates a network servicing 50 states that includes 200 local food banks and 60,000 pantries providing food and meal programs to more than 46 million people. Considered the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, Feeding America said a $10 donation helps provide 100 meals on behalf of member food banks.

Dearborn-based Ford said it will provide up to $250,000 in matching donations, ensuring a minimum donation of $150,000 to Feeding America. The donation is part of $1.3 million in financial support, grants, vehicles and other assistance the vehicle maker and its philanthropic arm, Ford Fund, are contributing to hunger-relief organizations this fall.

Ford plans to promote the campaign through its more than 700 dealer-operated Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers across the U.S.

“Each year, 49 million Americans — including 16 million children — struggle with hunger,” said Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Co. Fund and Community Services.

“We are proud to use the national stage of the inaugural Quick Lane Bowl to build on Ford's long history of addressing hunger issues.”

Each donation to Feeding America will appear on a person's phone bill through the respective mobile service carrier. People can make multiple text donations, as well as donate any denomination, online at the Feeding America/Quick Lane website. Donations are tax deductible.

Nancy Curby, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America, said Ford “has been a long-standing partner in the fight against hunger. At a time when many of us will be surrounded by our own families, this campaign with Quick Lane and Ford Motor Co. provides a simple, easy opportunity for everyone to help provide meals for families in need this holiday season.”

The stand-alone Quick Lane outlets offer no-appointment routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, light repair services including brake repair, and tire replacements on all vehicle makes and models.

The NFL's Detroit Lions also are encouraging fans to support the Feeding America campaign as part of the team's ongoing hunger-relief and wellness programs with Ford. The Lions are hosting the 2014 Quick Lane Bowl, which features teams from the Big 10 Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference.

Feeding America said it “supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.”