In observance of World Food Day, a global day of action for those who are food insecure, the Gene B. Glick Company announced that it has awarded more than $300,000 to 50 organizations across eight states that are working to end food insecurity through Glick Philanthropies, a family of charitable entities, funds and initiatives focused on building community and creating opportunity.

Senior Citizens, Inc., the local provider of Meals on Wheels, was awarded a grant of $7,500, which will provide 1,250 meals for homebound seniors.

As the philanthropic partner of the Gene B. Glick Company, one of the largest privately-held real estate ownership, development and management firms in America, Glick Philanthropies invest in organizations that help residents and neighbors move up the economic ladder. The grants announced today and totaling $306,552 are part of the Feeding Those in Need program, a grant program that aims to increase access to healthy, nutritious food in the communities where Gene B. Glick Company properties are located. Since 2008, Glick Philanthropies have invested more than $3 million to organizations working to end food insecurity.

“Our company has a long and proud tradition of giving back to the communities where we operate through our corporate social responsibility efforts and association with Glick Philanthropies,” said David Barrett, president and CEO of the Gene B. Glick Company and Glick Philanthropies. “People form the heart of our communities, and we cannot build great communities when our neighbors go to bed hungry. This program helps provide meals for children, families and seniors who lack consistent access to high-quality, nutritious food, and reduces food insecurity as an obstacle to self-sufficiency.”

Forty-two million Americans –about one in eight– struggle with hunger, according to data from Feeding America and Meals On Wheels America. That includes 13 million children and more than 5 million seniors. Too often, individuals and families facing food insecurity in the United States must choose between their nutrition and basic needs such as utilities, medical care and transportation in order to make ends meet. In Georgia, one in six seniors faces hunger on a daily basis.

The 50 organizations selected for Feeding Those in Need grants were nominated by Gene B. Glick Company employees at various apartment communities across the U.S. Employees were asked to recommend the two local organizations and programs they believe make the biggest impact in addressing hunger and food security in the communities where they live and work.

The 50 organizations awarded Feeding Those in Need grants include a mix of food pantries, community centers, community gardens and more.

“I’m thrilled that SCI’s Meals on Wheels program will receive support from the Glick Philanthropies through the Feed the Need program,” said Patti Lyons, president of Senior Citizens, Inc. “Senior hunger and isolation are, unfortunately growing problems in our nation and as the senior population of our area continues to increase over the next 15 years, these will become even bigger issues. This grant today will make a difference by providing more than 1,200 needed meals for seniors in our community as well as critical social interactions.  It is wonderful to have caring, generous organizations in our community like Glick to be our partners in this fight.”