TAG’s Inaugural Statewide Food and Fund Raise surpassed original goal.
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and Hub Magazine’s Food Technology feature, Bytes, have announced the results and winners of the inaugural Bytes for Bites food and fund drive competition, which benefits the 8 regional Food Banks that comprise the Georgia Food Bank Association.
The Grand Prize TAG Cup Winners are Definity First (Atlanta) who raised the most pounds per employee statewide with 2,126 pounds per employee, and Aaron’s, Inc. (Atlanta) who raised the most total pounds statewide with 22,788 pounds. To determine the winners, each dollar raised equates to four pounds of food in the competition totals.
In addition to Definity First and Aaron’s Inc., the following Atlanta area companies won statewide awards:
Small Company Winner - Total Pounds
Modis, Atlanta
1,575 Total Pounds
Large Company Winner - Pounds per Employee
CONA Services, LLC, Atlanta
169 Pounds per Employee
Large Company Winner - Total Pounds
AT&T, Atlanta
20, 913 Total Pounds
In the Atlanta area, 23 companies competed and raised $18,789 and 1,548 pounds of food for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. These efforts were supported by Atlanta based Bytes for Bites Steering Committee Members John Craft, Owner of Virginia Highland Partners, and Amelia Baer, Senior Business Development Manager with Unosquare.
Statewide, over 40 technology and technology enabled companies representing more than 8,000 members of the industry participated in the two week competition that took place from July 11th -22nd. They collectively raised $26,200.68 and 4,098 pounds of food, surpassing the goal of $25,000. This is the equivalent of 90,751 meals that the Food Banks will be able to distribute to families and children struggling with hunger in Georgia.
“We are so grateful for TAG’s leadership and for each company who participated in the inaugural Bytes for Bites competition. The technology industry has always been known for its innovation and creativity, and I am excited to recognize it for its great generosity as well,” said Danah Craft, Executive Director of the Georgia Food Bank Association. “The 90,751 meals provided by their donations will have a real impact on the families and children served by our regional Food Banks.”
Over 60% of children in Georgia are eligible for free or reduced lunches during the school year, but less than 15% of them have access to these meals during the summer, making it difficult for families to put enough food on the table.
“I am really proud of what the Technology Community can accomplish when they come together. I have witness great things over the past 12 years at TAG, and this is definitely one for the books. Let continue to use this momentum and build upon the success for next year,” said Tino Mantella, CEO of TAG.
Bytes for Bites is a partnership between TAG and the Georgia Food Bank Association to engage the technology industry in the fight against hunger. It is strategically timed to help Georgia’s 8 regional Food Banks during the summer months when demand for food assistance is at its highest.
For a full list of 2016 winners and participants across the state go to:bit.ly/bytesforbites
About the Georgia Food Bank Association (GFBA)
The Georgia Food Bank Association food banks share food, resources and best practices to help close the meal gap and ensure a hunger-free Georgia. Working through nearly 2,400 partner agencies and pantries, they distribute more than 130 million pounds of food annually to 159 counties in Georgia. To support the food banks, GFBA develops statewide partnerships to raise food and funds, advances legislative priorities that impact the food banks, educates the public about the role of food banks, and raises awareness about hunger. http://georgiafoodbankassociation.org/
About Bytes from Hub Magazine
Bytes is a regular feature of Hub Magazine that profiles the next new thing in food. From new kitchen gadgets and popular mobile apps to startups and more. Hub Magazine features timely news, ideas, people and trends that are at the intersection of Georgia’s Emerging technology community. Hub Magazine and Bytes are part of Hub Media, the official media brand of the Technology Association of Georgia. Hub reaches more than 30,000 technologists via print and digital platforms. Click here for more Bytes. Check out issues of Hub Magazine hereor visit www.hubga.com
About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
TAG is the leading technology industry assoc2iation in the state, serving more than 30,000 members through regional chapters in Metro Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon/Middle Georgia, and Savannah. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy.
The association provides networking and educational programs; celebrates Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. TAG hosts over 200 events each year and serves as an umbrella organization for 34 professional societies. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org
