2008-08-27 — Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out™, presented by American Express, brings together restaurants from across the country and millions of consumers to participate in an historic initiative to benefit children.

During the week of September 21–28, restaurants representing the entire industry—from coffee shops to fine dining establishments—will donate a portion of their sales and contribute to the fight against childhood hunger in America.

By dining out at participating restaurants, millions of consumers can help raise funds and awareness to support the nutritional needs for America’s children. Thousands of restaurants will be participating in this nationwide dine out, including Captain D’s, Caribou Coffee, Corner Bakery, Joe’s Crab Shack, Il Fornaio, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, Raising Cane’s, and Union Square Hospitality Group.

The campaign has been endorsed by many of the country’s top chefs including chef and cookbook author Mary Sue Milliken and chef Tom Collichio, as well as industry executives Danny Meyer, Dick Rivera, and Wally Doolin. Food Network Star and host of the hit TV series “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Guy Fieri, is the national spokesperson.

“The Great American Dine Out is an important program, and I am honored to be part of this historic initiative to help end childhood hunger,” Fieri says. “This event provides an opportunity for families to spend time together at their local restaurants while helping those in need.”

Restaurants can participate in the Great American Dine Out in a variety of ways, including donating a percentage of sales during the week, promoting new menu items, collecting donations from guests and/or employees, and more. Funds raised will help improve kids’ access to nutritious foods where they live, learn, and play.

“No child in the wealthiest country in the world should grow up hungry,” says Billy Shore, Executive Director of Share Our Strength. “Sadly, it happens every day. In fact, one in every six kids in America is at risk of hunger, which can lead to devastating lifelong consequences.”

The Great American Dine Out is presented by American Express. Founding national partners are SYSCO Corporation, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, Food Network, etools, National Restaurant Association, Nation’s Restaurant News, and OpenTable. Founding promotional partners are Fishbowl Marketing, The People Report, and the Elliot Group.

To learn how to get involved or for more information about Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out, please visit www.greatamericandineout.org.