Fifth Third Bank (Tampa Bay) Partners with Metropolitan Ministries to Fight Hunger

On the third day of May (Fifth Third Day), Fifth Third Banks across the country have celebrated their heritage through their employees, customers and communities they serve. As part of Fifth Third’s holiday, the bank’s Florida affiliates have created an alliance to address the effects of critical is

By Vanessa Tostes

TAMPA, Fla., On the third day of May (Fifth Third Day), Fifth Third Banks across the country have celebrated their heritage through their employees, customers and communities they serve. As part of Fifth Third’s holiday, the bank’s Florida affiliates have created an alliance to address the effects of critical issues plaguing our state: hunger and homelessness.

In Tampa Bay, the occasion is being marked with “Fifth Third Feeding Families” – a food drive aimed at collecting enough non-perishable food items to feed 5,300 families. For the third year, the effort will benefit Metropolitan Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that provides support to hungry children and families in the four-county Tampa Bay area.

“I am proud to work among a team of employees who are truly committed to making a difference in all of the communities we serve,” said Brian Lamb, president of Fifth Third Bank (Tampa Bay). “By demonstrating one of Fifth Third Bank’s core values, teamwork and collaboration, and working with great organizations like Metropolitan Ministries, we are able to help families and children in need throughout Tampa Bay.”

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2011 report, Tampa has the highest rate of homelessness in America at 57 per 10,000 residents. Hunger is on the rise as well.

“We’ve seen the need for food in our community and the pervasive effects of homelessness continue to grow,” said Tim Marks, president and COO of Metropolitan Ministries. “We are very thankful for the partnership with Fifth Third Bank. The donated food will directly help local people in our area. Every can or box helps make a difference, not only to fight hunger but also to provide hope.”

Food collection bins are set up at all 47 Fifth Third banking centers throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties. Bank employees and customers – as well as local businesses and community residents – are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items. Most needed are canned fruits and meats, peanut butter, boxed cereal and beans.

“Fifth Third Bank has been listening to our community’s concerns and has developed high-impact initiatives to help address the effects of hunger and homelessness,” said Karen Dee, Florida regional president of Fifth Third Bank. “All of our Florida affiliates have united to form an alliance and, as part of Fifth Third Day, we’re making that commitment known, so that others have the opportunity to participate.”

To donate, stop by your local Fifth Third banking center or visit 53.com to find a location nearest you.

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About Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company has $117 billion in assets and operates 15 affiliates with 1,315 full-service Banking Centers, including 105 Bank Mart^® locations open seven days a week inside select grocery stores and 2,404 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Investment Advisors. Fifth Third also has a 39% interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC, formerly Fifth Third Processing Solutions, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of March 31, 2012, had $296 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $26 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® National Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB."  Fifth Third Bank.  Member FDIC.

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