BOEING DONATION TO ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK WILL HELP KEEP PANTRY DOORS OPEN THIS WINTER

ST. LOUIS, MO -- January 02, 2002 -- The Boeing Company has donated $9,750 to the St. Louis Area Foodbank, to help the organization meet the rising need for food assistance.

"This gift comes at a crucial time for us," stated Frank Finnegan, executive director for the St. Louis Area Foodbank. "A large number of the pantries we serve are reporting back to us that they are being forced to close their doors early – simply because they are running out of food. This donation from Boeing will help keep their doors open a bit longer" concluded Finnegan.

John Van Gels, vice president and general manager of Production Operations and Boeing St. Louis site leader echoed Finnegan’s comments. "At this time of great need, I'm pleased that we're continuing to support the St. Louis Area Foodbank, which is helping so many in the St. Louis region."

Each year, the St. Louis Area Foodbank provides an average of 11 million pounds of food to those in need throughout eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. The pantries served by the St. Louis Area Foodbank provide food to more than 43,000 people in need each week. With the onset of colder weather fast approaching, the St. Louis Area Foodbank anticipates a continued increase in requests for food assistance.

###

THE ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK IS A NON-PROFIT, FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER FOR ORGANIZATIONS THAT FEED HUNGRY PEOPLE THROUGHOUT 14 COUNTIES IN EASTERN MISSOURI AND 12 COUNTIES IN SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS.