Bank of America has recognized the tremendous strain many Americans face as a result

of the economic downturn.

Ensuring that vulnerable populations in our community have access to basic services

is a critical component to revitalizing the economy. We are proud to support the Food

Bank of Delaware, both financially and through the dedication and efforts of our

associates, at a time when nonprofits are struggling to provide significantly increased

services to many families who are having enormous difficulty making ends meet.

We are committed to investing in the communities we serve, even during a challenging

economic environment, because we know that this leadership is even more important

when individuals and families face significant pressures.

In response to the increased need for basic human services in communities

nationwide, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation donated $1 million dollars to

Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

Bank of America is a long standing supporter of food banks across the country; in 2008,

the bank donated more than $900,000 in local charitable giving and associates volunteered nearly 4,000 hours to assist with hunger-relief efforts.

The $1 million gift extends the bank's partnership with Feeding America Network even further and will help feed the 36 million Americans who are finding it increasingly difficult to put food on their tables.

During the bank's Global Service Month in April, Bank of America's support of communities across the country in need of basic human services such as food supplies is taking on a human face as thousands of associates volunteer their time and expertise. Here in Delaware, we are supporting a variety of volunteer activities for Global Service Month of Service, including this mobile pantry today, as well as a Habitat build, Teach Children to Save Day and many Earth Day activities including tree planting and park cleanups.

We are proud to continue our partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware; it is a partnership that began some 14 years ago! The Food Bank's hunger-relief programs directly provide for almost 90,000 Delawareans at risk of going without meals each year. They provide thousands of meals a month for children through the Afterschool Feeding Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Backpack Program.