Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has proved to be a beacon of support for food banks nationwide by rallying aid for their cause.
Everybody in America knows that Taylor Swift's Eras tour has been a very successful venture. In fact, its success has reached a point where the economy is benefitting. While venues, record labels and ticket sales are profiting, Swift is now reportedly giving back to the community by making massive donations to food banks across the country, reports CNN. The Arizona Food Bank Network recently got a call informing them that Swift wanted to donate to the charity as she began her tour in the state. Individuals who worked at the charity could not believe it and even thought it was a prank. But the donation proved to be legitimate. Swift has already made donations to food banks in Georgia, Michigan, Texas and California.
Her donation in Arizona was so big that it allowed for 40,000 pounds of fresh produce to be distributed to its member food banks. Her humanitarian gesture also increased funding for programs that were geared towards reducing hunger and helping eligible children get access to free or discounted meals at school. Another initiative included food stamps for senior citizens. This comes at a much-needed time for most food banks as inflation continues to affect the country resulting in exorbitantly high food prices.
According to Business Insider, food prices soared by almost 11% in the last year. This has pushed families to turn to food banks that are struggling to meet the massive demand. For instance, Food Lifeline, a food bank based out of Seattle, will utilize Swift's donations to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to food that ethnic communities prefer. They have to buy groceries because they do not receive as many food donations since the pandemic.
The organization has to provide around 280,000 meals a day and serves a staggering 1.1 million people. They did not fully reveal Swift's actual donation and there was no communication from Swift's side about it as well. While Swift's donations are welcome, it also highlights the country's severe and rampant problem of food insecurity. According to Feeding America, more than 34 million people, which includes 9 million children, are food insecure.
The pandemic has aggravated the problem, especially among large families and communities of color, who were already susceptible to food insecurity. Moreover, rural communities are more vulnerable to not getting sufficient food. While the government has put in federal nutrition programs to tackle the problem, many individuals and families do not qualify for it and end up going to food banks to get their daily meals.
After looking at the numbers, it becomes clear that Swift's donations have helped many people get their food. She was also commended for providing massive bonuses to her devoted crew, showcasing her appreciation for their hard work and dedication, as reported by TMZ. Swift has reportedly given out a jaw-dropping $100,000 bonus to the 50 truckers who were in charge of moving around the equipment for the tour. The total payout, which comes out to $5 million, is a true mark of her generosity. It also helps to keep her crew satisfied to ensure that the successful tour continues smoothly.