LAROSA’S NEEDS CINCINNATI’S HELP TO FEED 90,000 FOOD-INSECURE CHILDREN BY JULY 5

Freestore Foodbank & LaRosa’s School Pantries Effort Aims to Stock 60 School Food Pantries Throughout the Tri-State; LaRosa’s Extending Program Through July 4 to Help More Kids

CINCINNATI, OHIO –June 28, 2021 –LaRosa’s and its long-time community partner Freestore Foodbank are extending their inaugural effort created specifically to stock 60 school pantries in 20 counties throughout the Tri-State – through Sunday, July 4. With kids out of school for the summer, the need is even greater, since 8 out of 10 food-insecure children in the Freestore’s 20-county service area rely on free and reduced school meals when school is in session. Through LaRosa’s Buddy Card sales at all Greater Cincinnati LaRosa’s Family Pizzerias, LaRosa’s will contribute $ 5 to the Freestore Foodbank from all $ 10 Buddy Cards purchased by Guests now through Sunday, July 4, 2021. The effort kicked off April 12 and Buddy Card sales so far have been strong, but since the need is so significant, LaRosa’s seeks to raise additional funds for local kids in need, the effort has been extended through July 4.

The Freestore Foodbank has been overwhelmed with the need for food locally, due largely to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  “We’ve distributed 1 million pounds of food every ten days for the last 14 months – that’s dramatic – it’s about 30% more than before the pandemic”, remarked Kurt Reiber, Freestore Foodbank CEO.  “One in five children locally is at hunger risk right now”, Reiber continued.

“We’ve sold thousands of Buddy Cards so far, and we’d like to thank everyone who has already participated.  But the need is still great, so we are asking the entire Greater Cincinnati community to help us fill the Freestore school pantries that local kids and their families so heavily rely upon,” said Michael LaRosa, CEO, LaRosa’s Inc. “Please join us and the Freestore to help all the kids and families who need our help”, LaRosa continued.  The $ 10 Buddy Card features 14 ‘buy-one large pizza and get a large cheese pizza free’ offers for pick up and dine in, and is valid for a year.

Buddy Cards can be purchased at LaRosa’s pizzerias in person, or Guests can add a Buddy Card to an order through the LaRosa’s app, at larosas.com or by calling 513-347-1111 or 1-888-LAROSAS. LaRosa’s will also bring a newly-purchased Buddy Card along with a delivery order.  Buddy Cards are available at participating LaRosa’s Family Pizzerias in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana. 

About Freestore Foodbank:

The Freestore Foodbank is the largest emergency food and services provider to children and families in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana throughout 20 counties. The organization distributes 37.7 million meals annually to low-income individuals and families. The Freestore Foodbank supports 540 community partners, including food kitchens, homeless shelters, and school pantries.  Freestore Foodbank School Pantry program includes nearly 60 pantries open year-round in or near schools.  The Freestore Foodbank is a member of Feeding America.

 About LaRosa’s

LaRosa’s was founded in 1954 on Cincinnati’s West Side by Buddy LaRosa. It is now a $167 million restaurant company with 66 pizzerias serving neighborhoods in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.  To learn more about LaRosa’s, go to www.larosas.com.

# # #