The Cheesecake Factory Collects More Than 300,000 Cans of Soup to Support Feeding America and Hunger Action Month

The economic climate and historic unemployment rate have had a profound effect on millions of Americans. This year, The Cheesecake Factory has partnered with Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief charity, on several special initiatives to raise money and supplies for its network of local food banks. The goal was to collect 100,000 cans of soup throughout the tour, but the goal was exceeded by more than three times that amount with a grand total of 321,992 cans of soup donated to local food banks across the United States.

During Hunger Action Month this September, The Cheesecake Factory embarked on the month long coast-to-coast 'Drive Out Hunger' Tour(TM). Cheesecake enthusiasts visited the tour stops and received a complimentary slice of Stefanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake(TM) when they donated cans of soup for local food banks. The tour visited 30 cities in 30 days, beginning in Los Angeles on September 1 and culminating in Washington, D.C., on September 30. Additionally, on September 30, the 'You Dine, We'll Donate'(TM) event allowed guests at all 146 Cheesecake Factory locations to bring in two cans of soup, and 10 percent of their guest checks was donated to local food banks.

'The Cheesecake Factory has been an inspiring partner for Feeding America,' said Vicki Escarra, President and C.E.O. of Feeding America. 'Their on-going financial support and creative initiatives have energized their guests and employees to do something easy and worthwhile to help relieve hunger in America.'

In honor of those who participated in the 'Drive Out Hunger' Tour, a unique sculpture made with 30,000 cans of soup generously donated by Campbell Soup Company and constructed in the shape of a slice of Stefanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake was unveiled at the Capital Area Food Bank on October 1. Furthermore, to acknowledge everyone who donated cans of soup at a 'Drive Out Hunger' Tour event, a special photo mosaic also in the shape of Stefanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake has been created on the tour website -- www.TheCheesecakeFactory.com/Share. The photo mosaic is made up of individual photos of those who attended the events, symbolizing that they are part of the 'big picture' in the fight against hunger.

'From California to Washington, D.C. and every place in between, we've seen Americans, young and old, all ethnicities, coming together in support of our communities. There were scout groups, church groups, elementary, middle and high school groups, and thousands of our own staff members, all rallying together to support this cause,' said David Overton, Founder of The Cheesecake Factory restaurants. 'We are touched to see the enthusiasm for combating hunger in America by The Cheesecake Factory guests and staff members nationwide, who have donated these cans of soup in order to make a difference.'

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