From Sugar Farmers To Food Banks – Annual and Holiday Sugar Donations Continue Despite Down Economy

December 17, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC —Sugar companies from across the country continued food donations to support local communities this holiday season during difficult economic times, the Sugar Association today announced.

American Crystal Sugar Company, American Sugar Refining, C&H Sugar, Domino Sugar, Florida Crystals Corporation, Imperial Sugar, Michigan Sugar Company, and Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, were among the companies that donated more than 180 tons (more than 370,000 pounds) of sugar to food pantries and charitable organizations in sugar-producing regions this year.  Much of which was donated this holiday season.  

“Sugar is an important staple during the holidays for baking, and these donations will help more families enjoy holiday cookies and pies,” Andy Briscoe, CEO of the Sugar Association, noted.

"Sugar is an all natural sweetener that’s long been part of holiday celebrations for centuries,” he said.  “We’re proud that many of our member companies continued long-standing, annual and holiday donation programs.  A lot of families and neighbors need all the help they can get right now."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on Nov. 14 that the need for food in the United States was the highest in 2008 since the agency started measuring “food insecurity” 14 years ago.  Nearly 50 million people in the U.S. couldn’t get the food they needed in 2008—a figure that is expected to rise again this year.

“Sugar is produced in 18 states and provides jobs across America.  Communities where people are in need year round, not just during the holidays, like Fergus Falls, MN; Pahokee, FL; and Baltimore, MD received donations,” said Briscoe.  “These local programs are all about neighbors helping neighbors have a brighter holiday. Most of the sugar donated for this year’s holiday baking came from local farms to local charities.”

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