Yankee Brew News Archive

Craft Brewers Participate in NE Benefits for Hunger Relief

Originally Published: 07/95

By: Gregg Glaser

Ten New England cities were host sites last April and May for the eighth annual Share Our Strength's "Taste of the Nation." These events, which took place in over 100 cities across the country, are the largest nationwide benefit for hunger relief and prevention. Over 5,000 chefs prepared their specialties at food, wine and beer tastings, dinners and brunches. More than 60,000 guests attended, raising over $4 million.

New England craft brewers were modestly represented at their local "Taste of the Nation" events, allowing the public to drink something other than the ubiquitous wines and fizzy waters. The ever-present Boston Beer Company donated Samuel Adams beers to the Boston, Worcester, Manchester and New Haven tastings. Also represented at the Boston event were beers from Commonwealth, Brew Moon and Mass. Bay.

In other cities across New England the Stamford, Connecticut tasting featured local brews from the New England Brewing Company, in Burlington brewing newcomer Magic Hat presented their beers, the Portsmouth Brewery provided the beer for their town's event, Pete's Wicked beers showed up in Worcester and Holyoke, and Providence beer lovers were able to drink beers from Hope Brewing and Union Station. The only New England "Taste of the Nation" event not to offer beer was held in Hartford.

Share Our Strength distributes one hundred percent of ticket proceeds directly to groups fighting hunger. Seventy percent of the funds raised at each "Taste of the Nation" event goes to local anti-hunger groups in the event city, ten percent is distributed to high need areas of the state and the remaining twenty percent goes to international community development agencies.

Bill Shore, founder and national executive director of SOS says the $4 million plus raised this year is great news, but a long-term solution still must be found to the hunger problem in America. "Hunger is a symptom of a much deeper problem. We have 36.9 million people living under the poverty line in this nation, and until poverty is cured, hunger will continue to plague us."

There will still be a need for SOS's "Taste of the Nation" events next year. If you'd like to attend one in your part of New England to help the cause, and also try some wonderful foods and beers, call SOS at 800-969-4767 to obtain the 1996 schedule.