In continued efforts to raise awareness and combat hunger, Disneyland Resort kicked off Hunger Action Month in September by taking part in this year’s Canstruction Orange County. Celebrating 17 years in 2024, Canstruction is an international hunger relief charity with chapters around the world. Each year, chapters host citywide competitions where teams come together to make extraordinary structures of canned food to raise awareness to help end food insecurity. Disneyland Resort has been involved in this impactful event since it began in 2008, winning several awards for unique builds over the years.
Each year, a team of Disney VoluntEARS collaborates to build impressive “canstructures,” crafted from thousands of cans of food donated by Disneyland Resort. This year, the resort donated over 8,000 cans that will be donated to the Orange County Food Bank at the end of the month to feed those in need.
“Canstruction is really two types of hunger action,” said Amanda Schwarz, Disneyland Resort architect and Disney VoluntEAR. “The first is our action with the donation of all the food used to build the structure, and the second is to raise awareness of food insecurity, which we hope inspires a ripple effect of action to donate to the food bank.”
Disney VoluntEARS from Disneyland Resort pose in front of the 2024 structure celebrating “The Princess and the Frog” at Canstruction Orange County.
Honoring Tiana’s Bayou Adventure during 2024 Canstruction Orange County
These inspiring food structures, created as part of Canstruction Orange County, require months of planning and preparation, as well as several weeks of practice builds to ensure every detail is just right before the big build day. In 2023, the team created a build, themed to the Disney100 celebration featuring Steamboat Willie, which was recently honored with the “Best Original Design” award by Canstruction Orange County and Canstruction International.
For this year’s display, Disneyland Resort is proud to celebrate the upcoming opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in November 2024 at Disneyland park with a special design honoring “The Princess and the Frog” – specifically Princess Tiana’s beloved trumpet-playing alligator pal, Louis!
Disney VoluntEARS harvesting fresh bell peppers at Harvest Solutions Farm in Irvine.
How Disneyland Resort brings awareness to food insecurity year-round
Food insecurity is a significant challenge in Orange County, and Disneyland Resort is dedicated to combating hunger through various efforts, including volunteer initiatives, financial contributions, and more. In honor of Hunger Action Month, the resort recently donated $100,000 each to both The Orange County Food Bank, a part of Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC), and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County to continue their vital work in the community.
“Hunger is a critical issue in Orange County as thousands of individuals ranging from children to seniors are struggling with food insecurity among other basic needs,” says Gregory C. Scott, president and CEO of CAP OC. “We are deeply grateful to the generosity of Disneyland Resort for its contribution of $100,000 to support Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s OC Food Bank. Thanks to their commitment to our organization for more than 30 years, we are able to take meaningful steps to address poverty in our communities.”
Disneyland Resort has continued to support the strive to end hunger and bring awareness to food insecurity through numerous Disney VoluntEARS events throughout the year. Some recent projects have included creating snack bags for local community members at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and a harvesting project of fresh produce at Harvest Solutions Farm, both with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Important projects like these help to provide nutritious foods to those in need and allow cast members a chance to give back to their community.
“It makes me feel proud to work for a company that loves to give back to their community,” said Disneyland Resort engineer and Disney VoluntEAR, Charlie Manalo. “It aligns with my values in terms of giving back and helping those who are less fortunate.”
Disney VoluntEAR, Charlie Manalo, working on the Louis canstructure at the event.
Disneyland Resort has been supporting Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County and their mission to help end food insecurity for over 10 years. The resort has also provided aid to CAP OC for over 30 years by donating significant financial support and providing thousands of hours from generous Disney VoluntEARS.
“Today in Orange County, a county known for its affluence, 1 in 10 individuals and 1 in 8 children is food insecure,” said Claudia Bonilla Keller, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. “Without the support we receive from generous donors like Disneyland Resort, we couldn’t provide the 35 million pounds of food that we deliver to our Orange County neighbors in need each year. Thank you, Disneyland Resort, for helping us work toward our vision of an Orange County with food and nutritional security for all.”
No effort is too small to create a significant difference in the endeavor to end hunger. An Executive Chef at Disneyland Resort, Ralph Stuhlmueller, has impacted the resort for over 28 years, as he helps to combat food insecurity in local communities. Ralph and his inspiring team collect excess food items at the end of each day from their operation in hotel banquets. These leftovers are then safely stored to be collected by partner pantries and food banks in Orange County. Cast members, such as Ralph, leave a lasting impact to help those who need it most. These combined efforts from Disneyland Resort cast members can create a brighter future for others.
Disney VoluntEARS sorting fresh produce to prepare for donation to those in need.
Disneyland Resort continues the fight to end hunger
Disneyland Resort is unwavering in its commitment to fighting hunger in Orange County by actively donating resources and engaging in ongoing efforts in the community. This continued dedication helps provide vital assistance to those in need, working towards creating a world where everyone has access to nutritious food.
Learn more about how Disneyland Resort gives back to the local community and Disney VoluntEARS.