HOUSTON, Aug 24, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) --
Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) is proud to announce its sponsorship of Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out(R), a week-long national restaurant event in cities across the United States. From September 19-25, 2010, thousands of restaurants will join together in raising funds to support No Kid Hungry(TM), Share Our Strength's(R) national campaign to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.
Through the Great American Dine Out, Share Our Strength is working with state, community and private sector leaders across the country to connect families facing hunger with the programs that can help them. The campaign is sponsored by Sysco, Ecolab, American Express, Jacob's Creek, USA Today and the National Restaurant Association.
Along with Sysco's financial support, its sales associates are sharing this opportunity with their restaurant customers and encouraging them to participate. Last year, nearly 4,000 restaurants of every size and type helped the Great American Dine Out raise nearly $800,000 by donating a portion of the week's sales, offering special promotions, or collecting donations from their customers.
Millions of consumers play a vital role in this initiative as well; their choice to dine out at participating restaurants will help feed children in need all across America. Nearly 17 million children in America-almost one in four-lack access to the healthy meals they need every day. Share Our Strength is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting these kids to the food they need to live healthy, active lives.
About Sysco
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. The company operates 180 distribution facilities serving approximately 400,000 customers. For the fiscal year 2010 that ended July 3, 2010 the company generated more than $37 billion in sales. For more information about Sysco visit the company's Internet home page at www.sysco.com.
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About Share Our Strength
Share Our Strength(R), a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry Campaign(TM)-a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015-Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs, invests in community organizations fighting hunger, teaches families how to cook healthy meals on a budget, and builds public-private partnerships to end hunger, both nationally and at the state level. Working closely with the culinary industry and relying on the strength of its volunteers, Share Our Strength hosts innovative culinary fundraising events and develops pioneering cause marketing campaigns that support No Kid Hungry. Visit Strength.org to get involved.
To find participating restaurants and more information about Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out, please visit GreatAmericanDineOut.org.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: Sysco Corporation
CONTACT: Sysco Corporation
Mark Palmer, Vice President, Corporate Communications
281-584-1303