In an inspiring display of community collaboration, X Games and Visit Ventura have partnered with Food Share of Ventura County to donate 11,000 lbs of unused, nutritious food and fresh produce from the recent X Games Ventura Presented by SONIC. This generous donation is equivalent to providing over 9,000 meals to local residents in need.
“This partnership came about just a few weeks before the event — I am thrilled that we were able to rally together to make this happen! Not only did X Games Ventura showcase the beauty of our beach town to a national audience, but we also had the privilege of giving back to our local neighbors,” said Visit Ventura’s President & CEO Marlyss Auster.
Jennifer Caldwell, Chief Development Officer of Food Share, shared her gratitude stating, “We are incredibly appreciative to Marlyss Auster and Visit Ventura for making the connection with X Games. This donation will provide nutritious food to our local community, helping to ensure Ventura remains a vibrant place to live and work. Nearly 17% of Ventura’s population sought food assistance from Food Share last year, and this contribution comes at a crucial time.”
The nationally televised X Games Ventura not only highlighted the beautiful beach coastline and vibrant culture of Ventura but also brought attention to the pressing issue of food insecurity in the area. The 11,000 lbs of donated food will significantly aid Food Share’s mission to combat hunger and support the well-being of Ventura County residents. This partnership exemplifies the power of community and the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations come together for a common cause.
X Games also partnered with Ventura Land Trust and the Ventura Chapter of Surfrider Foundation to host two community clean ups at Willoughby Preserve and C-Street, where 81 pounds of trash was collected between C-Street and the Ventura Pier.
“X Games Sustainability has always prioritized the phrase ‘leave it better than we found it’,” said Jeremy Frees, sustainability consultant to X Games. “This year we had a unique opportunity to do just that: leave a positive, lasting impact on our host community and the surrounding environment by partnering with Visit Ventura, the City of Ventura, Ventura Land Trust, the Ventura Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, and Food Share Ventura County.”
