OCALA, Florida, January 29, 2015 — LPGA Tour players Sandra Gal, Vicky Hurst, Pernilla Lindberg, Mo Martin, and Belen Mozo joined with local Trader Joe’s Crew Members to present a total of $97,500 to three Florida Food Banks Monday at the Coates Golf Championship in Ocala, Florida, where the LPGA Tour opens the 2015 season. "Birdies to Break Hunger” is a program created in 2014 by Trader Joe’s, under which the grocery retailer has partnered with five Florida based LPGA players to donate $75 to Florida Food Banks for each birdie made by the LPGA golfers throughout the 2014 season.

The players combined for 1,231 birdies in 2014, amounting to a $92,325 grand total, which Trader Joe’s rounded up to $97,500, and presented checks to Feeding Northeast Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and Feeding South Florida each worth $32,500. The food banks are part of the Feeding America network, which provides meals to more than 37 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. For each $1 donated, they are able to source and deliver enough food to provide a meal to 7 people who otherwise do not know if, how, or when they will eat their next meal.

“Trader Joe’s is one of our most valued partners in the fight against hunger,” according to Feeding Northeast Florida President Bruce Ganger. "They are a generous food donor and this cash investment means that we can provide a meal to over 227,000 people who otherwise would not be able to feed themselves or their families. The impact of this type of support is priceless.”

Orlando resident Pernilla Lindberg led the way with 343 birdies, raising a total of $25,725. “As a five-year Florida resident, I’m so proud to partner with Trader Joe’s to support our local Food Banks,” said Lindberg. "It’s exciting to know that each birdie I make is so much bigger than myself and that we are making a positive impact in our communities. Proper nutrition is really important to me, and working with Trader Joe’s to provide it to the people who need it most is the best kind of win I can imagine”.

Trader Joe’s is partnering with the five LPGA pros to repeat the program in 2015. The Coates Golf Championship presented by R+L Carriers at Golden Ocala Country Club is the first tournament of the LPGA season.

Trader Joe's Food Donation Program

Trader Joe's long running policy is to donate products that are not fit for sale but are safe for consumption. Each store has a designated Donation Coordinator, whose responsibilities include working with local food banks, food pantries, and/or soup kitchens in their communities to facilitate donations, seven days a week.

In 2014, Trader Joe's donated more than $295 million worth of product to food banks

LPGA Professionals Partner with Trader Joe’s Raise Funds for Florida Food Banks

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