One in six Americans struggle with hunger; that is nearly 49 million people. With an alarming statistic such as that, Big Machine Label Group, General Mills and Feeding America have developed an amazing partnership to help feed local families. Outnumber Hunger is a national initiative that will help fight hunger in local communities. On March 30, 2012, at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, many Big Machine artists came together to share their passion for this cause and unveil this initiative.

Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of Big Machine, expressed his sincere care and passion for this cause, stating that the statistics regarding how many Americans are hungry is simply “not acceptable.” When he was asked to be a part of this project he immediately responded, “How can we not help?” Lucky for Scott, the artists on his label have an equally big concern regarding this issue. Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Justin Moore, Edens Edge and Thomas Rhett all showed up to show their support and dedication to the new partnership.

CMTT caught up with some of the participating artists to get their thoughts on Outnumber Hunger. The Band Perry recently toured a food bank in Nashville where they got a chance to talk to some of the volunteers and said, “It widened our eyes to the problem at hand.” They also said, “We are very excited to be part of a label that gives back.” Edens Edge also visited a food bank in St. Louis where they were able to deliver a lot of food. They tell CMTT, “It feels really good to be able to easily do something that can benefit a lot of people in your area.”

Newcomer Thomas Rhett expressed “It’s very cool to be part of a label that cares about that stuff’,” and that, “It’s amazing that one cereal box can donate a meal to a family that doesn’t have one.” Thomas shared his belief that all artists should give back to the community because they are so blessed to get to do what they do.

The Eli Young Band was also on hand and shared some of their thoughts with CMTT, “It’s great to be a very small part of an organization that wants to stop that (hunger) and turn it around.” They feel the issue is not currently receiving the attention it should. Family man Justin Moore also had strong feelings on the matter. “I wish we took more time to do this kind of stuff. I feel it’s kind of our duty as artists.” He also  discussed the importance of helping your fellow Americans here at home. “There’s a lot of people on our home turf that need help.”

Martina McBride and Rascal Flatts are also very proud to be a part of a label that gives. Martina admits that as a mother of three and a wife, sitting around the dinner table is an important part of their family routine. “It’s our time to stop to focus on each other and put a healthy meal on the table. It’s heartbreaking to me to know there are so many families out there that don’t have food to put on the table.”

Rascal Flatts expressed, “When we got the opportunity to be involved with  General Mills and Feeding America we jumped at the chance.” They explained the Outnumber Hunger program and emphasized how easy it is for everyone to get involved and give back.

Also present at the event was Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America, and Mary Jane Melendez, Associate Director of Community Action for General Mills. Partnered alongside Big Machine Label Group, they believe they can reach their goal of getting 15 million meals to families. It’s simple and easy to participate and here’s how…

Purchase specially marked General Mills products, enter the code from the back of the package at www.outnumberhunger.com, enter your zip code and then you have secured five meals on behalf of a local food bank. In addition, you can follow Outnumber Hunger on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ to find out about other special ways to help. There is also an added bonus. After you enter the code, you can get a free song download from selected Big Machine Label Group artists.

Country artists are known for their giving back, but it never gets old to see the artist we love taking a stand and supporting a cause.  As Gary from Rascal Flatts says, “God’s given us an amazing platform.”

The evening came to a close with some special performances and Scott Borchetta stating, “It takes a Big Machine to outnumber hunger.”

Performances included:
Justin Moore: “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away”
Thomas Rhett: “Something To Do With My Hands”
Edens Edge: “Amen”
Eli Young Band: “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”

For more information and to enter your codes, visit www.outnumberhunger.com.

Krissie Humphrey
CMTT Music Contributor
@khmusic12
Krissie@countrymusictattletale.com