Applied Materials Employees Pack 254,000 Meals For Families In Need

Applied Materials has been conducting one of the largest corporate food drives for 27 years. This year marked the 15th anniversary of one of the Food Drive’s signature events – Helping Hands Day. Over the 15 years, more than 50,000 boxes of food have been delivered to local families in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. The outcome of this past weekends activity is significant: 5,200 boxes containing 325,000 pounds of food that will provide 254,000 meals. All packed by nearly 400 volunteers in about 2 hours.

But as large as the outcome is, the need is larger. In Santa Clara County 1 in 4 people are at risk of experiencing hunger this year. Last month alone, Second Harvest Food Bank provided assistance to more than 240,000 people, many of whom were children. Their Family Harvest Program (those who receive the Helping Hands Day boxes), which serves families with children, grew by 30% this past year. As much as Second Harvest Food Bank is doing to serve the community, needs are still unmet.

That’s why Helping Hands Day is but one of countless activities taking place during the Annual Food Drive. Through online donations from employees, creative team fundraisers like solar car races, bake sales and tournaments, as well as matching funds from the Foundation and Corporate Sponsorships, Applied hopes to direct $1 million to our Food Bank partners across the country.

Many employees at Applied Materials make Helping Hands Day an annual tradition. My family has joined me for the last 3 years; several employees have volunteered all 15 years! What are you doing this year to help alleviate hunger? If you run a Food Drive, tell me about your exciting activities. If you donate or volunteer tell me why. Perhaps through our shared practices we can deliver even greater community benefit!

Visit Applied’s corporate responsibility web site to read more about community involvement.