MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Food banks around
the world are experiencing dramatic increases in demand for food
assistance driven by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, more than ever, food banks need support. International Paper
(NYSE: IP) is responding with one of its essential products –
corrugated boxes. The company has committed to donating two million
corrugated boxes to hunger-relief organizations.
This product donation will benefit hunger-relief organizations
such as Feeding America® and The Global FoodBanking
Network (GFN), among other relief agencies in communities where
International Paper employees live and work.
"Our employees are passionate about supporting critical
community needs, and we recognize that our boxes are essential for
distributing food to people hit hardest by the pandemic," said
Mark Sutton, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer. "Our employees and our boxes are helping improve
the ability of food banks to serve communities around the
world."
Lisa Moon, president and CEO, The
Global FoodBanking Network, agrees. "Many food banks have had to
shift their model from serving daily hot meals to distributing food
rations in boxes. International Paper's gift of two million boxes
is extraordinary and desperately needed. Without boxes, we simply
cannot get food to people," said Moon.
Increased Need around the World
Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief
organization, estimates that an additional 17.1 million Americans
could face hunger in the next six months as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
"Ensuring the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and our
neighbors while serving our communities is Feeding America's top
priority. We are tremendously grateful for International Paper for
their donation of boxes – an essential component of food
distribution during the pandemic," said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding
America.
The Global FoodBanking Network believes the coronavirus pandemic
could double the number of people facing life-threatening food
shortages.
Calling on Others to Give
The company has launched a social media campaign —
#HelpFillTheBoxes — to encourage those who are able to donate to
food banks in their communities. Taking action in the fight against
hunger during the pandemic can be as simple as volunteering at a
local food bank or donating money or resources.
You can donate to Feeding America at feedingamerica.org or to
The Global FoodBanking Network at foodbanking.org/covid19.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of
renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with
manufacturing operations in North
America, Latin America,
Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce corrugated packaging
products that protect and promote goods and enable worldwide
commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue, and other personal hygiene
products that promote health and wellness; and papers that
facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in
Memphis, Tenn., employ more than
50,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150
countries. Net sales for 2019 were $22
billion. For more information about International Paper, our
products and global citizenship efforts, please visit
internationalpaper.com.
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SOURCE International Paper