Nationwide Foundation Gives Feeding America $300,000

CHICAGO, April 1, 2009 — Feeding America today announced that they have received an inaugural grant of $300,000 from the Nationwide Foundation. The funds will be shared by the national office of Feeding America and 15 member food banks in communities where Nationwide Insurance associates live and work.

"This support is arriving at a critical time for us," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "Never before have we seen so many people needing emergency food assistance. So many people have lost their jobs in recent months, and so many living in poverty are having a tougher time than ever making ends meet. This contribution from the Nationwide Foundation is much-needed. We are deeply grateful for their help in these tough times."

"Nationwide's primary Corporate Citizenship focus is to provide emergency and basic needs to communities where our associates live and work," said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. "The need for emergency food continues to increase and we're proud to partner with Feeding America as they help feed families when it matters most."

This is the first time the Nationwide Foundation has donated to the national office of Feeding America, but they have been a long-time donor to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and other Feeding America members.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world. Nationwide ranks #108 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

The Nationwide Foundation
The Nationwide Foundation is an independent corporation funded by contributions from Nationwide companies. Founded in 1959, the Nationwide Foundation has committed more than $169 million since 2000 to help nonprofit organizations in communities where its associates and their families live and work. Just as Nationwide supports its customers in their moment of need, the company's involvement in its home communities is focused on supporting organizations that help people facing critical or immediate need.

Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks supports 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org.

Nationwide Insurance is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company