Ameris Bank’s 8th annual company-wide Helping Fight Hunger food drive initiative collected more than 999,000 non-perishable food items in October that were donated to food banks throughout the Southeast where the bank has a presence.

Ameris Bancorp, the parent company of Ameris Bank, also collectively donated $100,000 that was distributed among all the food banks that received the collected food items. More than 80 food banks throughout 65 communities were impacted by this food drive initiative.

“The bank’s Helping Fight Hunger initiative is our opportunity to help eradicate hunger and food insecurity and help make a difference for those who need it most,” said Ameris Bank President Lawton Bassett. “We are grateful to our employees, customers and community members who generously donated items to help us collect more than 999,000 food items donated to local food banks.”

According to Feeding America, hunger in America exists for more than 46 million people including 12 million children and 7 million seniors throughout the United States.

Ameris Bank’s Helping Fight Hunger food drive initiative allowed for a food bank in every town with an Ameris Bank location to receive the donation of goods collected at the local Ameris Bank branch, plus a monetary donation from Ameris Bancorp.