NEW YORK, May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MetLife Foundation today announced a second round of grants to food banks to respond to growing needs in their communities. The grants, which total $200,000, will help eight food banks across the United States. The grants bring MetLife Foundation's support for food banks to almost half a million dollars over the past six months.

"Food banks are playing a critical role in meeting growing needs created by the economic downturn," said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "We are pleased to support their work, which is vital to community health and well-being."

The food banks receiving MetLife Foundation grants are:

• Atlanta Community Food Bank (Atlanta, Ga.)
• Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (Tulsa, Okla.)
• Food Bank of Central New York (East Syracuse, N.Y.)
• Greater Boston Food Bank (Boston, Mass.)
• North Texas Food Bank (Dallas, Texas)
• Northern Illinois Food Bank (St. Charles, Ill.)
• The Foodbank, Inc. (Dayton, Ohio)
• Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)

MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife in 1976 to carry on its longstanding tradition of contributions and community involvement. Grants support health, education, civic and cultural programs. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $15 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs, including $10 million through the Awards for Medical Research program. Working with the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation has supported caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program, which addresses the problem of senior wandering. The Foundation has expanded its focus on aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and remaining engaged in the community. It also supports programs addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities and volunteer opportunities. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. More information about MetLife Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.

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