Cincinnati Bengals and Fifth Third Bank Partner with Freestore Foodbank for Holiday Meal Distribution


11/28/2023


The Cincinnati Bengals and Fifth Third Bank collaborated with Freestore Foodbank to organize a drive-through Holiday Meal Distribution at the Fifth Third Bank Madisonville Operational Center. Over the course of the 3-hour event, 2,000 holiday meal boxes were handed out, potentially feeding up to 8,000 community members.

Each holiday box was filled with holiday essentials such as chicken/turkey, canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, fresh produce, and other festive accompaniments. The community felt the warmth of the season as Bengals players personally placed the meal boxes in vehicles during the distribution.

Trisha Rayner, Chief Development Officer & VP of External Affairs, expressed concern over the increasing cost of food affecting families across the tristate. She stated that this drive-through distribution, in collaboration with the Cincinnati Bengals and Fifth Third Bank, is an effort to ensure families have food on their tables during the holiday season.

Fifth Third Executive Vice President Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help feed communities during the Thanksgiving season. He mentioned that their employees are always ready to volunteer to combat food insecurity, having already provided over 11 million meals throughout their footprint this year. He appreciated the partnership with the Bengals and Freestore Foodbank in supporting local families by providing them a nutritious and delicious holiday meal.

Kristen Hawkins, Bengals Director of Community Engagement, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that supports them. She expressed gratitude for having a great community partner in Freestore Foodbank and support from Fifth Third Bank to make a difference for many families this year.

In addition, throughout December, the Freestore Foodbank Liberty Street Market (Customer Connection Center 112 E. Liberty Street) and a new location, the Bea Taylor Market at 3401 Rosenthal Way, will be distributing holiday meal favorites. Each family can shop for items at the market once during the month. More information about additional food distribution events can be found in the link provided.