WILCO JOINS IN THE FARMER FOODSHARE CHALLENGE

WILCO joins Farmer Foodshare, Triangle Local Businesses and TEN Farmers’ Markets in the Farmer Foodshare Challenge

WILCO brings fans, local businesses and farmers together to collect fresh local food and to raise money for hunger relief at farmers markets on September 24^th and at their September 27^th show at the Raleigh Amphitheatre

Chapel Hill, NC – August 31, 2011 – The Chicago rock band Wilco and Triangle-based Farmer Foodshare today announce the 3^rd Annual Farmer Foodshare Challenge. The band, local businesses and Farmers Markets will raise money and collect food donations for community members at risk of hunger or malnutrition during the winter months.  Starting on September 24^th, Wilco will challenge Triangle-area residents to support Farmer Foodshare through fresh food donations at ten farmers markets (see full list below). On September 27^th, Wilco will play the Raleigh Amphitheatre in support of their new album, The Whole Love, out the same day.  At the show, Farmer Foodshare will collect monetary donations and raffle off local business gift certificates. Wilco will donate the proceeds from the sale of their show poster to the Farmer Foodshare Fund.  Joining Wilco on September 27^th at the Raleigh Amphitheatre will be Nick Lowe.  Tickets are $40 (reserved) and $30 (lawn) and are available with no ticketmaster charges at the Progress Energy Box Office.  They’re also available online at wilcoworld.net and ticketmaster.com.

Wilco Tote Bags for Local Businesses and Farmer Foodshare

Locopops, Empire Eats, Kung Fu, and The News & Observer have joined the effort. Fans can go to participating local businesses starting on September 12^th to find out how to get a free Wilco tote bag. They are encouraged to fill those totes with fresh local food at local Farmers Markets on Saturday morning, September 24th, and donate filled bags at the Farmer Foodshare Donation Station.

“Farmer Foodshare has an innovative approach to fighting hunger, and Wilco is pleased to have the opportunity to work with this great organization to help connect local farms, community members and local businesses,” said Benjamin Levin of Wilco’s management company Tony Margherita Management. “It’s gratifying to be able to do something which has an immediate positive impact within the community we’re visiting. We’re grateful for the opportunity and we hope our fans will join us in supporting this effort.”