Farmers Insurance Sprouts Strong Support for FOOD Share

Online, November 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - When HelpPoint Claims Services by Farmers (University of Farmers Claims), located in Agoura Hills, was looking for a Ventura County charity to support, FOOD Share immediately came to mind.

In the 1920's, Farmers got its start by insuring the vehicles of farmers and ranchers in rural South Dakota. Today, one of the largest U.S. insurance companies continues to embrace its agricultural roots by helping to put food on the tables of hungry Ventura County families.

The relationship between the two organizations, which sprouted last spring, has blossomed into very successful collaboration. Farmers has stepped up to help FOOD Share with donations of manpower; providing employee volunteers for food drives and food sorting, technology power; helping with the coordination and creation of radio and video promotions and money power, with funding contributions.

"We are incredibly grateful to Farmers for stepping up in such a huge way," said Bonnie Weigel, CEO of FOOD Share. "Their assistance is helping FOOD Share to Tackle Hunger in Ventura County and feed an ever-growing population of hungry friends and neighbors."

FOOD Share recently kicked-off its annual holiday Tackle Hunger campaign by unveiling new Ventura County hunger statistics. The organization currently feeds over 61,000 people each month - a 12% increase from last year - via 150 pantry partners located throughout Ventura County.

During November and December, Farmers will have food collection barrels at 72 agent and claims offices throughout Ventura County and is encouraging visitors to donate non-perishable food items to FOOD Share.

"Farmers is proud to support a wonderful organization like FOOD Share," said Bryan Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief Claims Officer of Farmers Insurance. "Our company slogan is 'Get you back where you belong.' I cannot think of a better way to get people back where they belong than helping with a basic necessity - food."

About FOOD Share
A major food bank distributing millions of pounds of food each year to those in need throughout Ventura County, FOOD Share collects and receives food year-round, distributing to more than 150 pantry partner agencies throughout Ventura County, including Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oak View, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Somis, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura.

FOOD Share provides food to more than 61,000 people each month countywide through its partner agencies and multiple programs. Programs include the Senior Brown Bag, which provides supplemental nutrition to nearly 2,000 low income seniors, and Snack Attack programs that offer healthy nutritious after-school snacks to approximately 2,200 children. Information: (805) 983-7100 or http://www.foodshare.com.