Nashville, Tenn. – The Nashville Predators are teaming up with Second Harvest Food Bank, FOX 17, 102.5 The Game and 102.9 The Buzz for the Feeding Hope Challenge – whose goal is to raise 10 million meals for hungry children, seniors and families this holiday season – with a food bank drive this Thursday, Nov. 15, one week before Thanksgiving, from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza.

“We are always looking for ways to team up with our partners to make in impact in the community, especially during a time of increased need,” Predators Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer Chris Parker said. “To use our resources and location to take part in the Feeding Hope Challenge with Second Harvest and FOX 17 is truly a privilege.”

Those who would like to participate in the drive can simply drive by the Bridgestone Arena Plaza on Fifth Avenue and Nashville Predators on-air personalities and staff, GNASH, the Predators Dancers and Ice Girls will meet them at their vehicles to accept donations; non-perishable food items or monetary donations for those in need throughout Middle Tennessee. The most needed items are peanut butter, canned meat (chicken/tuna), canned fruits and vegetables, soups and stews, and pasta and cereal. Throughout the day donors will be selected at random to win Preds prize packs.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with the Predators," President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Jaynee Day said. "This is a critical time for us as we work to raise 10 million meals this holiday season. This drive is an easy way to help feed hungry families."

FOX 17 personalities will also be on hand throughout the day. 102.5 The Game will broadcast their morning show from 6-9 a.m. and 102.9 The Buzz will broadcast from 3-7 p.m.

“When the folks at the Predators mentioned their upcoming food drive with Second Harvest, we immediately jumped at the chance to help this most worthy cause,” FOX 17 General Manager Dominic Mancuso said.

In addition to Second Harvest donation trucks being set up on the plaza all day, activities will be ongoing, with food trucks on hand during the lunch hours.

One-in-six adults and one in four children are struggling with hunger in Middle Tennessee, and the holiday season is one of Second Harvest’s busiest times. Recent data from Second Harvest's Partner Agencies report that demand for services is up 18 percent compared to last year.

Organized in 1978, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is a private, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee's mission is to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is one of the largest and most comprehensive of over 200 food banks and food distribution centers nationwide and also a member of Feeding America – The Nation's Food Bank Network. Second Harvest distributes food and other products to approximately 400 nonprofit partner agencies in 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee. Their include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, childcare facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs. For more information on Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and its programs, please visit secondharvestmidtn.org.
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Editor's Note: The grand totals are in for the Second Harvest Food Bank's Feeding Hope Challenge and the Preds, FOX 17, 102.5 The Game and 102.9 The Buzz collected nearly 5,000 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank.  To put things in perspective, in food drives held during two Nashville Predators home games last season, only 2,000 pounds of food was collected for Second Harvest.  We would like to thank everyone involved and we look forward to building on those totals next year!