MGM Resorts International Fights Child Hunger in Southern Nevada with $50,000 Donation to Three Square Food Bank
Donation will provide critical support during lowest giving season and will ensure BackPack for Kids, a childhood nutrition program, is extended through the summer
LAS VEGAS, June 29, 2016 /3BL Media/ – MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) donated $50,000 to Three Square Food Bank to support BackPack for Kids, a children’s meal program. The donation will ensure the program is available to the community throughout the summer.
“We couldn’t be more grateful that MGM Resorts International is making the BackPack for Kids program possible for so many children in need in Southern Nevada this summer,” said Brian Burton, President and CEO of Three Square Food Bank. “Their generous donation will translate into 40,000 critically important weekend meals for young people throughout the summer holiday when they may have otherwise gone without food.”
During the school year, thousands of food-insecure children rely on BackPack for Kids as a source of nutrition after school hours. Participants are given food to enjoy away from school; it is usually put in their backpacks so that they can take it home overnight and over the weekend.
The program usually ends due to lack of funding in the summer. However, June, July and August are critical months for hungry children who lose their source of regular meals during the school break. MGM Resorts’ donation will ensure the program operates until the new school year begins.
“We thought there was a real need to help Three Square during the critical summer months,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. We’re proud to extend a vital program like BackPack for Kids when it’s needed most.”
Childhood hunger is a serious problem in Southern Nevada. More than 64% of children in Clark County schools are enrolled in free or reduced-price meal programs. During the school year, BackPack for Kids program provides 5,500 hungry children with supplemental weekend meals each week.
In previous years, MGM Resorts supported Three Square by providing a food drive donation in November. According to MarketWatch, however, half of food bank donations come in during the holiday season, even though the need for food donations is greater during the summer. Summer is the hardest time to collect donations and find volunteers, as church groups, schools and many food drives often go on hiatus during the summer months.
Participants in the backpack program are children who are enrolled in Three Square’s summer food program. They receive an allotment of food from participating organizations, such as Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada. Items are nonperishable and easy to open, including canned ravioli with pop tops, granola bars, fruit cups and other nutritious foods.
In addition to its corporate giving program, MGM Resorts supports Three Square’s efforts year round through The MGM Resorts Foundation and its employee volunteer program. Since Three Square’s inception, MGM Resorts employees have performed more than 20,000 hours of volunteer work. In 2010, the “MGM Resorts Volunteer Room” at Three Square was created in recognition of the company’s continuous support.
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About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company is in the process of developing MGM National Harbor in Maryland and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. MGM Resorts controls, and holds a 73 percent economic interest in the operating partnership of MGM Growth Properties LLC (NYSE: MGP), a premier triple-net lease real estate investment trust engaged in the acquisition, ownership and leasing of large-scale destination entertainment and leisure resorts. The Company also owns 51 percent of MGM China Holdings Limited (HK: 2282), which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50 percent of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA Resort & Casino. MGM Resorts is a FORTUNE Magazine World's Most Admired Company. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.
About Three Square Food Bank
Established in 2007 to provide hunger relief, Three Square Food Bank offers wholesome, nutritious food to nonprofit and faith-based organizations, schools and feeding sites that serve a wide range of Southern Nevadans. A national model project inspired by Founder Eric Hilton with a grant provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Three Square is a community collaborative partnership with businesses, nonprofit agencies, food distributors, higher education institutions, the Clark County School District, governmental entities, the media and thousands of volunteers to efficiently and effectively work together to serve those in our community struggling with hunger. Three Square currently provides more than 38 million pounds of food and grocery product – the equivalent of more than 31 million meals – per year to a network of more than 1,300 community partners. Three Square is a member of the Feeding America network of food banks. For additional information visit www.threesquare.org. For the latest news and events on Three Square, visit Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter (@threesquarelv).
MEDIA CONTACTS:
MGM Resorts International
Sonya Padgett
702-692-6807
spadgett@mgmresorts.com
