Fans invited to participate in Food Drive on May 25

Fans who donate at the gate will receive a co-branded Sounders FC and QFC reusable grocery bag while supplies last.

RENTON, WASH. - The Seattle Sounders FC, QFC, and Food Lifeline are encouraging fans to bring non-perishable food or cash donations to the Sounders FC versus FC Dallas match at Qwest Field on Wednesday, May 25 to help "Shutout Hunger". Fans who donate at the gate will receive a co-branded Sounders FC and QFC reusable grocery bag while supplies last.

Fans are encouraged to visit their neighborhood QFC store and purchase the recommended non-perishable food items and bring to any entrance at Qwest Field. Fans can also text the word "MEALS" to 5-2-0-0-0 to donate $10 instantly to Food Lifeline.

Volunteers from Food Lifeline will be available at all gates to accept contributions. The donations will assist Food Lifeline, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in Western Washington. Food Lifeline makes every penny count, with 96% of every donation going directly toward feeding hungry people.

"The impact of this commitment from the Seattle Sounders FC and QFC is tremendous, and we truly appreciate the Sounders fans for joining us in our efforts to end hunger," says Linda Nageotte, President and CEO of Food Lifeline. "In Washington State, one in seven families is unsure how they'll put their next meal on the table. Food and fund drives like this one help us make sure these families have the nutritious food they need to get by, especially in the summer months when food banks tend to run low on supplies."

Fans can also drop-off non-perishable food in collection bins at their neighborhood QFC or donate online at www.foodlifeline.org

Items that are most needed by Food Lifeline include the following:

General Food Items - canned fruits and vegetables, hot and cold cereals, tuna fish, canned meats, peanut butter, and soup

Whole Meals - chili, stews and hearty soups, pork & beans, raisins, macaroni & cheese

Dried Goods - rice, pasta, oatmeal, breakfast cereal, macaroni & cheese, cooking spices

Infant & Baby Foods - baby formula, canned milk, powdered milk, plastic jars of baby food, infant cereal (diapers are also needed)