The Disneyland Resort is continuing to contribute to and support the community during Hunger Awareness Month. While the Disneyland Resort is regularly supporting community initiatives, during Hunger Awareness Month it has also donated to food banks and also raised awareness of hunger through its annual CANstruction build. September is Hunger Awareness Month.
Supporting Local Food Banks
As part of its efforts, the Disneyland Resort donated to two local organizations, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Community Action Partnership’s OC Food Bank. Each of these organizations received $75,000 to support their efforts in the community. According to its website, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County envisions an “Orange County with food and security for all.” It provides “dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health.” The OC Food Bank, “unites communities to end hunger and malnutrition by partnering with more than 300 local charities, soup kitchens and community organizations.” Both organizations are tackling the issue of hunger in the community and make an incredible difference every day.
“We are always appreciative of Disney’s longtime support of the OC Food Bank and ensuring that those in Orange County who are facing food insecurity have the support and resources they need to thrive,” said LaShanda Maze, Chief Development Officer of OC Food Bank.
Along with the financial donations, leadership at the Disneyland Resort also joined Disney VoluntEARS to participate in the annual Walk to Feed OC on September 9th. Among the walkers was Disneyland Resort Senior Vice President of Operations, Patrick Finnegan. Finnegan also serves on the board of directors for the Second Harvest Food Bank.
The efforts will continue throughout the month. Later this month, over 100 Disney VoluntEARS will also be participating in a food packing event at Community Action Partnership’s OC Food Bank. This food bank regularly provides support to the food bank by sorting and packaging food items that will be distributed to those who are facing food insecurity.
The Disneyland Resort has been providing ongoing support to local food banks for decades. Disney VoluntEARS continue to collect, sort, and also distribute food at multiple packing events. They also harvest produce for donation at both food banks each year as well. This helps make a significant difference by suporting crucial needs for both children and families that are struggling in the local community.
CANstruction, Orange County
The Disneyland Resort is also again participating in CANstruction, Orange County. The website for CANstruction, Orange County says that “Canstruction, Orange County Combines the fun of a design-build competition with an ingenious way to help feed hungry people. Local prominent architectural, engineering, planning, and design firms, and students mentored by these professionals, create phenomenal structures built entirely out of canned food. The structures go on view to the public at South Coast Plaza (in conjunction with the Festival of Children), John Wayne Airport, and ARTIC throughout the month of September.” The event was started by Community Action Partnership of Orange County 16 years ago. The Disneyland Resort has participated in every one of those 16 years.
This year, a team of engineers, architects, and Disney VoluntEARS created a design in honor of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. To honor this legacy, a model of Steamboat Willie was built. It is now on display at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. It can be seen there through September 30th. The creation was made with 7,800 cans of food. It took 12 hours to build. Before that came weeks of preparation and practice builds to get everything just perfect.
While September is Hunger Awareness Month, the Disneyland Resort recognizes that hunger continues to be a challenge for children and families throughout the year. It continues to be committed to helping support local organization in the fight against hunger. Daps Magic will continue to post stories about how the Disneyland Resort is making a positive difference in the community and the world. If you would like more information about any of these organizations, the individual websites for each can be found here:
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County – https://feedoc.org
- OC Food Bank – https://capoc.org/oc-food-bank/
- CANstruction, Orange County – https://canstructionoc.org
What do you think of the efforts being made to end hunger in the local community around the Disneyland Resort? What excites you the most? Have you donated or supported any of these organizations? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
