Fresno Grizzlies partner with Poverello House to donate leftover stadium food

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies have partnered with Poverello House in Fresno to create and implement a "Zero Waste" policy at Chukchansi Park throughout the 2018 season as it relates to excess and leftover concession food.
Poverello House and their service to the homeless is a natural fit to ensure the Grizzlies are doing their part in being stewards of the Central Valley community and donating food directly to those in need shortly after it's prepared. The food and beverage operations arm of the Fresno Grizzlies, Professional Sports Catering (PSC), has taken the lead with managing the fulfillment of this partnership. 

"Poverello House is only a few blocks away, so we're glad to help out and make sure all leftover food is donated properly," says Patrick Day, VP of Operations for PSC. PSC will ensure that recently prepared food is delivered in a sanitary fashion as it relates to transportation and temperature, so it may be re-heated and/or re-packaged to give filling meals to those in need.
"This is a great partnership for us, PSC, and Poverello House," said Derek Franks, President of the Fresno Grizzlies. "It's imperative that we create partnerships like this and continue to be a leader in Downtown Fresno. There is no reason to throw out food that can help our neighbors, and it's a relief knowing that we're able make someone's day a little more comfortable, when they know where their next meal is coming from," Franks continued.
In addition to 68 home game openings for Grizzlies baseball in the spring and summer, Chukchansi Park holds over 100 special events in a calendar year, including professional soccer. There will be several occasions to donate excess food to the hungry.  
"We appreciate the support from the Fresno Grizzlies and PSC with the coordination and fulfillment of this partnership," says Cruz Avila, CEO of Poverello House. "A food donation of this size on 70+ days this year is very impactful for the community and really goes along way with our clients."
Under the Fresno Grizzlies new ownership, "Fresno Sports and Events," there is a renewed focus on community initiatives both inside and outside of Chukchansi Park.
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ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES
The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at 12,500-seat Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community gathering place, hosting myriad other special events beyond Grizzlies' games, such as concerts, professional soccer and high school sporting events. The Grizzlies will enter the 2018 season - their 21st in Fresno - on the momentum of three consecutive winning seasons, including a PCL and National Championship in 2015. For information on 2018 Fresno Grizzlies season ticket and mini-plans, fans should call the Grizzlies' ticket office at 559.320.TIXS between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.