Broadway San Jose Partners with Second Harvest Food Bank

As the economy continues to slump, food banks are filling even greater needs in the Bay Area. Broadway San Jose is teaming up with Second Harvest Food Bank to highlight a national effort to "STOMP OUT HUNGER." Cast members from the percussive hit Broadway show STOMP will help drum up attention for Second Harvest, which is currently feeding nearly a quarter million people each month in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The "STOMP OUT HUNGER" campaign is designed to bring much-needed awareness to an issue that effects the homeless, as well as disadvantaged school children, and working people struggling to feed their families.

According to Michelle Berg, Community Relations Coordinator for Second Harvest Food Bank, one in four people in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties are at risk of hunger. Most people served are families with children and the majority work, but struggle to obtain enough healthy food.

Audiences can help to "STOMP OUT HUNGER" by entering the code word HUNGER when ordering tickets to STOMP (coming to Broadway San Jose April 12 - 17) and a $5 donation will be automatically be made to Second Harvest Food Bank--enough to provide 10 complete, nutritious meals. Bins will also be available at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, while the show is in residence, to collect canned and packaged foods. Foods most needed include: peanut butter, canned meat such as tuna, and meals in a can with pop-top lids (soup, stew, chili). Collection cans will also be available in the lobby for monetary donations.

For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank, the public can visit www.SHFB.org. STOMP comes to Broadway San Jose, playing April 12-17, 2011, at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets ($20-$69) call (408) 792-4111 or visit www.BroadwaySanJose.com.