On Saturday, November 21, Anthony Anderson, star of ABC’s hit television show Black-ish and ambassador of Mercedez Benz, volunteered to personally distribute some of the 40,000 meals that will be provided to those in need thanks to a generous financial donation provided by Mercedes Benz USA. This opportunity is another example of Mercedes-Benz USA’s Curbside Caring Initiative, which started at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in April, MBUSA rolled out a plan to deliver up to 30,000 meals to food banks throughout the Southeast. Since then, MBUSA has extended the program to include supplies to local hospitals, food for first responders, and continued to prepare meals for schools and shelters across America.

 

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Anthony Anderson grew up in the Compton area of Los Angeles and witnessed people in his community who faced hunger. As a result, Anthony regularly fights hunger by distributing food in Los Angeles, including the recent collaboration with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

This Thanksgiving is going to look very different for everyone, especially for those who regularly struggle to access nutritious food. The economic fallout resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing people to scale back or skip meals, including Thanksgiving. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s vision is that no one goes hungry in LA County. Thanks to our community’s generosity, the people we serve won’t have to skip meals, including Thanksgiving dinner.

While distributing food with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Anthony gave an older woman a turkey. She was so surprised and happy. She thought she would get fresh produce, canned goods, and perhaps some yams that she could prepare for Thanksgiving, but was expecting not to have turkey this year, as turkeys are too expensive, especially with reduced income. After Anthony gave her the turkey, she said, “this is for me – this turkey?” He said, “YES! It’s for you! Happy Thanksgiving!” She couldn’t believe it – she was overjoyed and so grateful.

 

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s tagline is “Fighting hunger. Giving hope.” Anthony Anderson personified this while distributing turkeys, shelf-stable items and other food. Not only did Anthony fight hunger by working with Mercedes Benz on the financial donation and distributing nearly 80 pounds of food per family, but he was warm, friendly and jovial with the food recipients, brightening each of their days.

On behalf of the 40,000 people who will now enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, thank you, Anthony Anderson and Mercedes Benz USA.