In an effort to help alleviate hunger in the Greater Philadelphia Region, Comcast-Spectacor, the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm, will begin a month-long food drive at the Wells Fargo Center beginning on Monday, November 1 and concluding on Tuesday, November 22, to aid Philabundance.

“As the holidays near, it’s important for all of us, at times like these, to help those in need,” said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. “Philabundance does a tremendous job of supplying food to the hungry and we want to do our part in helping them. We are encouraging all of our fans attending any of the many November events at Wells Fargo Center to bring non-perishable food items with them to help Philabundance.”

“By facilitating a month long food drive, spanning across 22 events, Comcast Spectacor is proactively responding to the increase in need in the community,” said Bill Clark, president and executive director of Philabundance. “We could not be more grateful for their efforts especially since Philabundance has seen a 22% increase in need over the last year.” As the winter months approach it is more crucial than ever to help our neighbors who must choose between putting food on the table and paying the utility bill.”

Comcast-Spectacor will collect non-perishable food items, including canned tuna, canned vegetables, and peanut butter and jelly in plastic containers, during all events at the Wells Fargo Center, beginning on Monday, November 1, when the Flyers host the Carolina Hurricanes at 7 p.m. Philabundance will place containers upon all entrances of the Wells Fargo Center for fans wishing to donate. Click here for a complete list of items.

The list of events at the Wells Fargo Center in which Comcast-Spectacor will collect food for Philabundance includes the Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes on Monday, November 1 at 7 p.m.; Villanova vs. University of District of Columbia on Tuesday, November 2 at 7 p.m.; Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, November 3 at 7 p.m.; Flyers vs. New York Rangers on Thursday, November 4 at 7 p.m.; Sixers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, November 5 at 7 p.m.; Dave Matthews Band in concert on Saturday, November 6 at 7 p.m.; Roger Waters in concert on Monday, November 8, Tuesday, November 9 and Thursday, November 11; Flyers vs. Florida Panthers on Saturday, November 13 at 7 p.m.; Justin Bieber in concert on Sunday, November 14; Flyers vs. Ottawa Senators on Monday, November 15 at 7 p.m.; Sixers vs. Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, November 17 at 7 p.m.; Flyers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m.; Sixers vs. Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, November 19 at 7 p.m.; Transiberian Orchestra in concert for two shows on Saturday, November 20 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens on Monday, November 22 at 7 p.m.

There are almost a million people in the Greater Philadelphia Region at risk of hunger every day. Their stories are as diverse as the nine counties served by Philabundance: working families hit hard by the recession, women and children, seniors trying to make ends meet. The one thing they have in common is being part of a food system that desperately needs additional support. Astonishingly, more than a quarter of the food in the United States goes to waste each year. Within our own service area, recent studies indicate a 35 percent annual increase for those struggling to put food on the table.