John Howie and Seahawks raise more than $113,000 for Food Lifeline

February 17, 2017 1:30 am
John Howie and Seahawks raise more than $113,000 for Food Lifeline

Local hunger champions, Chef John Howie and former Seahawk Craig Terrill, rallied generous “12s” throughout the NFL season to raise $113,189 for Food Lifeline, Washington State’s largest hunger relief network that stocks the shelves of nearly 275 local food banks, meal programs and shelters. The substantial effort earned the Seattle Seahawks team captains a second place finish in the Kick Hunger Challenge, which generated an additional $5,000 prize from the Taste of the NFL to increase the total Food Lifeline donation to $118,189.

The Kick Hunger Challenge is a friendly fundraising competition between all 32 NFL teams to raise money for food banks nationwide. Over the last five seasons, the Seattle team has won the Taste of the NFL’s Kick Hunger Challenge three times, providing more than $525,000 for Food Lifeline – or 2.6 million meals – for those in need around Western Washington.

“I am proud that our representation of the Seattle Seahawks to benefit Food Lifeline, both amazing organizations with a desire to win, has made a real difference for hungry families in our community,” Howie said. “It is humbling to have had a hand in locally providing 2.6 million meals in five years – demonstrating that if we put our minds, bodies and resources together – we can end hunger!”

Chef Howie has been actively involved over the last 13 years with The Taste of the NFL and the Kick Hunger Challenge. For every $1 donated, Food Lifeline is able to provide five nutritious meals to hungry people in Western Washington. Because of generous local fan support during this season’s Kick Hunger Challenge, Food Lifeline will provide an additional 590,945 meals.

This year, the Houston Texans team raised $138,000, and was named the 2016-17 Kick Hunger Challenge winner at the 26th annual Party with a Purpose hosted by the Taste of the NFL during Super Bowl LI in Houston.

“A huge thank you to Chef John, Craig, and the thousands of Seahawk fans that supported the Kick Hunger Challenge this year,” said Linda Nageotte, Food Lifeline president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to their hard work and dedication to ending hunger, they’ve created 500,000 meals for our hungry neighbors across Western Washington.”