MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) is fighting hunger by partnering with Mid-South Food Bank to address the many hunger needs in the greater Memphis area. Chairman and CEO Mark Sutton, will present a $1.25 million dollar check to Mid-South Food Bank Wednesday, November 16, 2016 as part of the company's philanthropy strategy. The spouses of International Paper employees will also present a check for $82,000 that will be used to provide 250,000 meals for families in need. "International Paper has the products, the resources and the desire to assist us and we cannot thank them enough," said Estella Mayhue-Greer, President/CEO, Mid-South Food Bank.

Fighting hunger is a signature cause for the Memphis-based company and this gift will allow Mid-South Food Bank to consolidate three separate warehouses into one, creating efficiencies and significant cost savings. Along with the $1.25 million dollars, the company will also donate 250,000 custom corrugated boxes, each capable of carrying 32 pounds of food, or 27 meals. These boxes will assist the Food Bank in delivering 15 million pounds of food annually across 31 counties in the Mid-South. On top of the financial and product donations, the company will also provide safety and equipment experts on-site. These operations experts will help drive greater warehouse efficiencies and ultimately lead to feeding more local citizens in need.   

"We have selected fighting hunger as one of our signature charitable causes and our work with Mid-South Food Bank will have a profound impact in the greater Memphis area," said Mark Sutton, International Paper Chairman and CEO. "We are also announcing an emerging partnership with Feeding America. This tremendous organization partners with 200 food banks (like the MSFB) and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs across the country providing families and individuals with nutritious food, hope and dignity.

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, Asia and Russia.  We produce packaging products that enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products; papers that drive communication; paper bags that carry groceries; and paper cups and food containers. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., and employ 53,000 colleagues located in more than 24 countries.  Net sales for 2015 were $22 billion.  For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.

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SOURCE International Paper