The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the first organization ever to present MMA through a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship format, is teaming up with Food Bank For New York City to provide meals for thousands of New Yorkers hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of its “PFL Fights for Communities” platform, PFL will provide 25,000 meals to those in need and raise awareness and additional donations to Food Bank via a PSA produced by the league.
The PSA features PFL’s top athletes and broadcast team – including MMA Legend and PFL broadcaster Randy Couture, PFL women’s lightweight champion Kayla Harrison and PFL welterweight and MMA star Rory MacDonald – encouraging others to join the fight and make a positive impact in New York City, where food pantries have declared a state of emergency. To donate, head to PFLMMA.com or https://pfl.everydayhero.com/
“Our thoughts are with all those impacted by COVID-19, and the heroes out in the front lines attacking this pandemic. We want to do our part to show that the PFL family is in their corner and they aren’t alone in this fight,” said Peter Murray, CEO of the Professional Fighters League. “I am a lifelong New Yorker, our PFL headquarters are in Manhattan and we’ve received tremendous support at our championship events hosted at Madison Square Garden. This is our home, and together, we can make a difference, provide some comfort, and make sure New Yorkers don’t go hungry.”
Food Bank For New York City has been working to end food poverty in the five boroughs for over 35 years and is the city’s largest hunger-relief organization. During this COVID-19 pandemic, Food Bank is taking proactive steps to safely provide food and other resources for vulnerable New Yorkers who may be quarantined, along with those impacted by the economic downturn. Every $1 donated to Food Bank provides 5 meals.
“Demand for food has never been higher and the challenges associated with meeting the needs of our community never greater,” said Janis Robinson, Vice President of Institutions & Partnerships, Food Bank For New York City. “The number of people turning to our emergency food network has grown 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes a team effort to tackle a crisis, and we are so grateful for organizations like the Professional Fighters League and countless generous individuals for their support and contributions during this pandemic.”
PFL continues to monitor the societal and economic impact of COVID-19. The league recently rescheduled its 2020 season for 2021, while committing to providing a monthly cash stipend to its contracted fighters to help provide relief through the calendar year.
About Professional Fighters League
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) presents MMA for the first time in the sport-season format where individual fighters control their own destiny, competing in a Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship. PFL’s differentiated format and exciting fights sparked breakout growth for the league. PFL events are broadcast live in primetime on ESPN2 and ESPN+ in the United States and also distributed to 160 additional countries around the world on premium sports networks.
For more info visit www.PFLmma.com and follow PFL on Instagram (@PFLmma), Twitter (@ProFightLeague), and Facebook (/PFLmma).
About Food Bank For New York City
For 36 years, Food Bank For New York City has been the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs. Nearly one in five New Yorkers relies on Food Bank for food and other resources. Food Bank takes a strategic, multifaceted approach that provides meals and builds capacity in the neediest communities, while raising awareness and engagement among all New Yorkers. Through its network of more than 1,000 charities and schools citywide, Food Bank provides food for more than 61 million free meals per year for New Yorkers in need. Food Bank For New York City’s income support services, including food stamps (also known as SNAP) and free tax assistance for the working poor, put more than $110 million each year into the pockets of New Yorkers, helping them to afford food and achieve greater dignity and independence. Food Bank’s nutrition education programs and services empower more than 50,000 children, teens and adults to sustain a healthy diet and active lifestyle on a limited budget. Working toward long-term solutions to food poverty, Food Bank develops policy and conducts research to inform community and government efforts. To learn more about how you can help, please visit foodbanknyc.org. Follow us on Facebook (FoodBank4NYC), Twitter (@FoodBank4NYC) and Instagram (FoodBank4NYC).
