FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA ADVISORY

Roadrunner Food Bank

CONTACT: Ann Powers

505-349-8682

505-261-1737 (cell)

ROADRUNNER FOOD BANK

SOUPER BOWL 2008 KICK-OFF JAN. 26th

Annual Soup Sampling Benefit Helps Tackle Hunger In New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM - January 23, 2008 – Roadrunner Food Bank’s popular Souper Bowl benefit tackling hunger in New Mexico kicks off Saturday, January 26th, 2008, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the main warehouse at 2645 Baylor Drive SE (DIRECTIONS)– the week before the Super Bowl football game. 

Approximately 1,200 fans are expected for the annual soup sampling extravaganza, presented in partnership with New Mexico Mutual.  Over 30 of Albuquerque’s finest restaurants will showcase their own delicious soups and desserts, competing to score the coveted “Critics Choice” and “People’s Choice” awards decided by select judges and the public. One skilled chef will win the “Souper Bowl Championship” title.  Live music, a silent auction, best booth contest, merchandise and prizes will also be on hand during the event, which has sold out for the past two years.

Bringing those large crowds and community leaders together is key for hunger relief, according to Roadrunner Food Bank Executive Director Melody Wattenbarger.  

“The number of New Mexicans in poverty is alarming and we rank second in the nation where people are forced to wonder where their next meal is coming from,” Wattenbarger said.  “We know that hunger is an issue, we know who is facing hunger, and we know how to cure hunger.  The only challenge we face is coming together as a community to marshal the resources necessary to end hunger in New Mexico.”      

Souper Bowl 2008 proceeds directly benefit Roadrunner Food Bank programs designed to end New Mexico’s hunger pains. Roadrunner Food Bank has nourished hungry New Mexicans for 28 years.  Each year, Roadrunner Food Bank helps feed over 240,000 people statewide through a network of 600 agencies and six regional food banks.  One-third of those helped are children who go to bed hungry each night and thousands are seniors who must make the choice between food and medicine.

Participating restaurants include: 

Souper Bowl tickets are $35.00 for adults and $10.00 for children.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.  Please call (505) 349-8674 for ticket sales.  Go to www.rrfb.org for more information about Roadrunner Food Bank.

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Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico is New Mexico’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to ending hunger.  Through its statewide network of 600 partner agencies and six regional food banks, Roadrunner Food Bank distributes more than 16 million pounds of food annually to approximately 240,000 New Mexicans in need.  Every dollar donated yields $12 worth of food.  Roadrunner Food Bank is the only New Mexico member of America’s Second Harvest—the Nation’s Food Bank Network.  In the 28 years since it was founded, Roadrunner Food Bank has distributed more than 165 million pounds of food statewide.  For more information about Roadrunner Food Bank and its programs visit www.rrfb.org