Fifth Third Bank’s "Feeding Our Communities" initiative, held each year in May, this year provided more than 8.4 million meals to fight hunger across its footprint. The total far exceeded the 5.3 million-meals goal the company set for its 2022 effort.

The meals were provided as part of company donations, nearly 250 volunteer activities where employees volunteered more than 5,100 hours of service, and shield of recognition sales. The activities kicked off on the bank’s adopted special day, Fifth Third Day – May 3 or 5/3 on the calendar.

"We’re extremely proud of our employees and customers for working together for the united purpose of serving our communities and to join the fight against hunger," said Melissa Stevens, Chief Digital Officer, Head of Digital and Marketing, and Fifth Third Day champion. "After hosting only virtual volunteer activities for the last two years, it was exciting for all of us to be able to work together, in person, toward this important cause."

As part of its efforts, the Bank collaborated with Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Fifth Third employees volunteered and donated food to Feeding America’s network of 200 food banks across the country. In 2021, according to Feeding America, 53 million Americans turned to food banks and community programs for support.

"We prioritize taking care of our communities," said Kala Gibson, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Fifth Third. "By providing food to various hunger-focused organizations, we are fulfilling one of the basic needs that some families may have, and we are helping to alleviate the stress that comes along with people being concerned about where their next meal is going to come from."

Since 1991, Fifth Third has used Fifth Third Day to recognize the contribution of its employees, to thank its valued customers and to support the community. Beginning in 2012, Fifth Third has worked to eradicate hunger through its efforts to feed our communities. This Bank initiative is part of Fifth Third’s environmental, social and governance strategy aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 2, Zero Hunger.

A key component of this year’s Feeding Our Communities activities was several marquee events May 3 that featured celebrity athletes. For example, Cincinnati Bengal Joe Mixon and the Bengals mascot, Who Dey, helped pack lunches for Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank. More than 150 employees volunteered their time, and a total of 3,600 meals were provided through their endeavors. Through the month, the region’s efforts equate to providing more than 800,000 meals to feed the hungry. "We are grateful for the generous support of companies like Fifth Third Bank as we work together to ensure stability and self-reliance for those who are food-insecure," said Kurt Reiber, CEO of the Freestore Foodbank.

In North Carolina, NASCAR driver Chris Buescher and his pit crew helped Fifth Third employees pack more than 1,300 bags of food for children and 450 senior nutrition boxes for Second Harvest of Metrolina. Their volunteer efforts helped save Second Harvest $6 million in labor costs, which will allow the organization to redirect resources to provide more meals in the community. Through May, Fifth Third provided more than 1.2 million meals to organizations across the state that provide hunger solutions.

Additional events took place across Fifth Third’s regions.