ORANGE BEACH — As part of the So. Much. 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 Alabama children on the weekends throughout the school year.

Various representatives for The Wharf and Pepsi presented the funds at a check presentation held Wednesday, Aug. 3, at the final 2022 Pepsi Treasure Hunt for Hunger.

From May 30 to Aug. 4, So. Much. 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 second year, The Wharf and Pepsi teamed up to add a charity component to the event. Each company donated $5 to the Secret Meals program for every child that completed the hunt.

"Serving our community is a core value of Buffalo Rock, and we have a deep appreciation for the mission of the Secret Meals for Hungry Children program," said Cynthia Bridges, regional business development coordinator – On-Premise, Gulf Region, Buffalo Rock Pepsi. "We were honored to partner with The Wharf and Alabama Credit Union again this year to continue raising awareness, and support children and families in Alabama."

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 this week. It costs 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, juice boxes and bite-sized crackers. The items are child-friendly and vitamin fortified. The food packs are 3.5 pounds and can be easily carried in their backpacks.

"We we're 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 $150,000 to local nonprofits and organizations along the Gulf Coast since 2021.