VIDEO: 1 Million-Plus Meals Being Packed on the National Mall

What: Just across the river from where a plane hit the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, some 5,000 volunteers, including AARP staff, today are participating in one of the largest meal pack events ever on the National Mall.

It is part of a September 11 AARP Foundation A Celebration of Service. The meals will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, DC and go to the area’s struggling seniors, first responders and veterans.

Why: More than 15,000 seniors, approximately 15 percent of the senior population in D.C., are living in poverty and thousands more struggle to cover basic living costs. This event brings attention to the problem and a meal to many hungry people who need it.

Who: AARP Foundation, the charitable affiliate of AARP, created the event.  The foundation works to create and advance solutions that can improve life for older adults who are low-income or vulnerable. AARP Credit Cards from Chase is a presenting sponsor of the event.

The following video is available for use by the media:

INTERVIEWS:

·        Jo Ann Jenkins / AARP CEO

·        Carla Hall / Celebrity Chef & ABC’s The Chew co-host  

·        Lisa Marsh Ryerson / AARP Foundation President

·        Robert Rouse / Washington DC Event Volunteer

MEAL PACKING B-ROLL

This video is for free and unrestricted use

DOWNLOAD here: https://vimeo.com/aarpbroadcast/review/138993479/18453198c7 

Event website is: www.acelebrationofservice2015.org/

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About AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more atwww.aarp.org.

CONTACT:
Tara Dunion, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia