Orioles to host food distribution at Ed Smith Stadium

As part of the club's ongoing efforts to serve and strengthen the community during the current pandemic, the Orioles announced today that they have partnered with All Faiths Food Bank to host a series of mass food distribution events at Ed Smith Stadium. The events will take place on the second Saturday of each month from September through December, with the first event being held on September 12. Future events will be held on October 10, November 14, and December 12.

Each distribution event will take place in the East Lot and is first-come, first-served, beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until food runs out or 11:30 a.m. All the events will be staffed by All Faiths Food Bank volunteers and staff, and several of the events will also be staffed by Orange & Black Gives Back, the Orioles employee volunteer program. To donate or to learn more about upcoming food distributions, please visit AllFaithsFoodBank.org.

"Many of our neighbors in the Sarasota and DeSoto counties are continuing to experience food insecurity as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," said Jennifer Grondahl, Orioles Senior Vice President, Community Development and Communications. "It is our hope that, in partnering with All Faiths Food Bank, we will be able to provide relief and stability to those families who are most in need."

All Faiths Food Bank has taken special measures to remove barriers to assistance: no pre-registration is required. Physical distancing and no-touch strategies will be observed, as food will be distributed via drive-thru and placed directly into the trunks of cars. Attendees will also receive information about additional Food Bank locations where groceries are available.

Media interested in covering any of the food distribution events must RSVP to Sharon Kunkel (sharon@wordslingermarketing.com or 941-928-2049) at least 24 hours in advance. Media who attend any of the events must wear a face covering and observe physical distancing at all times. Parking will be available in the East Lot.

All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Bank is committed to providing hunger relief to the many families who have been affected by this crisis.

Year-round, the Orioles focus their philanthropic efforts on two distinct pillars: Strengthening Our Community and Empowering Our Youth. In times of crisis, the Orioles aim to bring visibility to resources that community members need most. For additional information on the Orioles' community efforts in Sarasota, please visit Orioles.com/CommunityResources.