Funds collected through the Greater Dayton RTA’s “Pay What You Want” fare promotion from Jan. 13- Jan. 31 garnered a more than $15,000 donation for The Foodbank Dayton. This donation will translate into more than 60,000 meals for those in need in the Dayton region.
During the promotion, RTA riders could use the “Pay What You Want” option to make a donation to The Foodbank Dayton directly in the fare box or ride the bus for free.
Several RTA employees made contributions to the cause. This includes RTA Management Connect, comprised of managers and supervisors within RTA, which made a $500 donation.
“This concept was suggested by an RTA employee as a way to not only rebuild ridership, but to also rebuild community trust by supporting a worthwhile community cause,” RTA CEO Mark Donaghy said. “RTA is pleased that many of our customers chose to support this effort, which we believe helped bring a positive ending to a challenging time.”
Every dollar donated to Foodbank Dayton brings four meals to hungry people in the Miami Valley, Foodbank Dayton CEO Michelle Riley said. With this donation, 60,000 meals can be provided. To put that into perspective, this donation equates to 154 people receiving one meal a day for the rest of the year, or 55 people receiving three meals a day for the rest of the year.
For 40 years, The Foodbank Dayton has served as the primary source of food for hunger relief efforts in the Miami Valley. The Foodbank helps through acquisition and distribution of food to more than 100 member food pantries, community kitchens, and shelters.
“The Foodbank was thrilled to get the call from RTA because when you give to us you’re actually giving to our 103 nonprofits,” Riley said, and the thousands of people across the Dayton area who rely on their programs each day.
RTA invites the media and the public to attend the next RTA Board Meeting on March 7 at 3 p.m. for an official presentation of the donation to The Foodbank Dayton.
