Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Donates $100 Million To American Food Banks

The Amazon founder donated to Feeding America, a Chicago-based nonprofit with more than 200 food banks across the United States.

Image: PTI

Coronavirus in America: In a humanitarian effort, Jeff Bezos is donating $100 million to American food banks to provide food to unemployed people who have lost their jobs during the Covid 19 outbreak. The Amazon founder donated to Feeding America, a Chicago-based nonprofit with more than 200 food banks across the United States. He took to Instagram by posting a photo of a food bank, saying, "Even in ordinary times, food insecurity in American households is an important problem, and unfortunately, Covid-19 is amplifying that stress." He also stressed on the fact that restaurants are closed, and many churches that provide free meals are closed too, because of social distancing mandates. Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, in a statement, said, “This donation, the largest single gift in our history, will enable us to provide more food to millions of our neighbors facing hardship during this crisis." Bezos also inserted the link of the NGO in his Instagram bio, stressing "if you want to help," the organization is open to donations of any size.

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Even in ordinary times, food insecurity in American households is an important problem, and unfortunately COVID-19 is amplifying that stress significantly. Non-profit food banks and food pantries rely in large part on surplus food from a range of food businesses. For example, many restaurants donate excess food. But during this time of social distancing, restaurants are closed, and many other normal channels of excess food have also shut down. To make matters worse, as supply is dwindling, demand for food bank services is going up.⁣ ⁣ Today, I want to support those on the front lines at our nation’s food banks and those who are relying on them for food with a $100 million gift to @FeedingAmerica. Feeding America will quickly distribute the funds to their national network of food banks and food pantries, getting food to those countless families who need it.⁣ ⁣ Feeding America is the largest non-profit focused on food security. Millions of Americans are turning to food banks during this time. If you want to help, the link to Feeding America is in my bio. They’d be excited and grateful for donations of any size.

A post shared by Jeff Bezos (@jeffbezos) on Apr 2, 2020 at 11:00am PDT

While this is not the first time that Bezos has donated for Covid 19 cause, Bezos is one of many donors to contribute to the All in Seattle coalition that funds charitable causes including food security and housing. The coalition raised over $27 million but wouldn't disclose to CNN Business how much Bezos gave. In social media, there have been messages asking the Amazon CEO to donate some of his wealth to help Amazon workers.  In late March, Amazon donated $25 million in a relief fund for Amazon employees and partners. In February, the tech billionaire also offered $10 billion to fight climate change, after Amazon employees pressured him and the company publicly.