Orchestras Feeding America

The Smith College Orchestra has joined ORCHESTRAS FEEDING AMERICA to Benefit the local Northampton Food Bank National Food Drive Inspired by the Upcoming Film The Soloist.

To date, many orchestras have come together to combat hunger in their communities through Orchestras Feeding America, and the number of participants is growing daily. The project will take place in March and April, and is organized by the League of American Orchestras, which represents the nation’s professional, volunteer, and youth orchestras, and Feeding America’s network of over 200 food banks and 63,000 agencies. The drive was inspired by the true story of the upcoming film
The Soloist and is part of the Social Action campaign Participant Media is facilitating for the film.

“We all are feeling the effects of this economic crisis, but we cannot let that stop us from helping our neighbors in greater need. Our
orchestra’s music uplifts people, but with this project we can do more to support the community that has supported us for so long.”

One in eight Americans is at risk of hunger. According to the USDA, there are 36 million people at risk of hunger in the U.S.; 12 million of them are children. In December 2008, Feeding America conducted a survey of 160 food banks nationwide - the results were troubling, with food banks reporting a 30 percent increase in demand for emergency food assistance, compared to one year ago.