CHARACTER COUNTS

Arizona Cardinals donating 200,000 meals to United Food Bank

May 17, 2022, 1:31 PM

(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)...

(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals are donating 200,000 meals to the United Food Bank in a partnership with Albertsons/Safeway.

Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck, wide receiver Antoine Wesley and offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum, D.J. Humphries, Justin Murray and Eric Smith will present a $40,000 check to the food bank on Tuesday. Along with the check presentation, players will also help pack meals.

“Hunger relief is a top priority at Albertsons and Safeway throughout the year. While donations peak during the holiday season, the need for nutritious food remains consistent through the summer, even when donations are at their lowest,” president of Albertsons and Safeway’s southwest division Michelle Larson said in a press release.

“We are proud to partner with the Arizona Cardinals, Kelvin Beachum, and United Food Bank to support this event that will provide food for our community during the hot summer months.”

In addition to the players in attendance, Big Red, Cardinals cheerleaders, team staff and Albertsons/Safeway employees will also be lending a hand throughout the event.

The United Food Bank collects, acquires, stores and distributes food to over 150 partner agencies across five counties. Last year, the food bank distributed more than 22.7 million pounds of food and 52,000 meals per day.

“The Cardinals are thrilled to align with Albertsons/Safeway and United Food Bank to highlight food insecurity while supporting and feeding those in need within our Arizona communities,” Arizona Cardinals senior VP, business development Steve Ryan said.

“Pooling resources with trusted partners in support of Arizonans is very important to our team and allows us to reciprocate the loyalty and support this community and our fans consistently exhibit.”

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