ORANGE BEACH — As part of its Hot Wharf Summer series, The Wharf and Birmingham-based Buffalo Rock Pepsi announced a $5,000 donation to Alabama Credit Union's Secret Meals for Hungry Children program, which provides non-perishable meals to children on weekends throughout the school year.

Representatives for The Wharf and Pepsi presented the money at a check presentation Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the final 2023 Pepsi Treasure Hunt for Hunger.

From May 29 to Aug. 3, Hot Wharf Summer includes recurring events each night of the week aimed to provide free, fun activities for the entire family. Wednesdays featured the Pepsi Treasure Hunt for Hunger, where children completed a scavenger hunt for prizes from Pepsi. For the third year, The Wharf and Pepsi teamed up to add a charity component to the happening, agreeing to each donate $5 for every child who completed the hunt to the Secret Meals program.

"We at Buffalo Rock take immense pride in our collaboration with The Wharf and Alabama Credit Union to raise awareness and offer vital assistance to children and families through the Secret Meals for Hungry Children program," said Cynthia Bridges, regional business development coordinator, on-premise, Gulf region, Buffalo Rock Pepsi. "Through our unwavering commitment to serving our communities, we can make a significant impact, ensuring that no child goes hungry. Together, we can create a brighter future for these children, providing them with the nourishment and care they deserve."

Approximately 2,500 students living in Alabama and Northwest Florida are receiving Secret Meals food packs for the weekend. Many children rely heavily on free and reduced meals while at school. However, the weekends create a nutritional gap leaving many children hungry when they return to school on Monday. It cost approximately $140 to feed one child for an entire school year.

Each food pack contains two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks. All items include pull-tab containers, straw-penetrating juice boxes and bite-sized crackers. The items are child friendly and vitamin-fortified. Best of all, the food packs are 3.5 pounds and can be easily carried in their backpacks.

"We were proud to team up with Pepsi and Secret Meals for Hungry Children again this year," said Sheena Mizell, director of marketing and public relations, The Wharf. "This cause aligns perfectly with the mission of The Wharf's Anchor Campaign — our charitable giving operation — and we applaud the work that Alabama Credit Union is doing with this initiative. We appreciate Pepsi matching the donation and being a part of this great program."

The Wharf's Anchor Campaign has donated more than $215,000 to local nonprofits and organizations along the Gulf Coast since 2021.
If you are interested in making a donation to Alabama Credit Union's Secret Meals, visit secretmeals.org.