In honor of national Hunger Action Month, Taste of the NFL distributed checks to food banks located in every NFL city across the country, including Second Harvest Food Bank in Jacksonville, FL. Donations are a result of proceeds from the 2009 Taste of the NFL event and are equivalent to nearly 2 million pounds of food and grocery products.

"Taste of the NFL is extremely thankful that this event has been able to provide so many food banks with additional support for their programs during the past 18 years," said Wayne Kostroski, founder of Taste of the NFL. "Each year we strive to increase our donation amount with the ultimate goal of tackling hunger in the United States."

Taste of the NFL, the Party with a Purpose, is held annually on the eve of the Super Bowl in the host city. All proceeds from this premier food and wine tasting extravaganza are distributed to hunger relief organizations in America. The 2009 event took place on Saturday, Feb. 7 and hosted more than 3,000 guests. Volunteering their time and representing the Jacksonville Jaguars were Chef Charles Charbonneau from North Beach Bistro and long snapper Joe Zelenka.

Since its inception, Taste of the NFL has donated in excess of $168,860 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Florida. Delores Barr Weaver, co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, serves on the Taste of the NFL Board, Minneapolis, MN.

The 19th annual Taste of the NFL will be hosted on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 at the Broward County Convention Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

About Taste of the NFL

The Taste of the NFL is a 501c3 that exists to raise awareness and dollars for hunger relief organizations involved in tackling hunger in America. Taste of the NFL addresses the needs of the hungry and homeless by raising awareness and money through special events and programs. Founded in 1992, the Minneapolis-based Taste of the NFL has distributed more than $8 million to local and national food banks across the country. For more information, visit www.TasteoftheNFL.com.