Thanks to the efforts of our Partners in Time volunteers – and a good-natured challenge – local food banks across the country are benefiting from food, community service and cash donations equivalent to 9.7 million pounds of food because of Bag Hunger.

The national Bag Hunger project takes place each summer when food shelves are bare and children in need do not have access to school-based meals. In 2009, this support is equivalent to more than 7 million meals for hungry children and families nationwide.

This year, there was a friendly Bag Hunger challenge among all store and support locations coast to coast. The Macy's Foundation provided $10,000 to recognize groups with the highest average "pounds per person" or most creative campaigns, and will make grants to the local hunger relief charities in their honor.

Bag Hunger benefits charities in more than 225 cities nationwide, and many are affiliates of Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through Bag Hunger, we provide a direct benefit to some of the 25 million Americans – including 9 million children – who face hunger, especially during the summer.

In Bag Hunger history, our associates have made contributions equivalent to 50 million pounds, or 39 million meals, for our neighbors in need.