Disneyland Resort to donate excess food to OC food bank during shutdown prompted by coronavirus

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- The day before Disneyland and California Adventure are set to temporarily close due to the coronavirus threat, the Anaheim resort announced Friday that it will donate its excess food inventory to an Orange County food bank during the shutdown.

Dairy, fruit, vegetables, packaged goods and banquet meals will be given to the Second Harvest Food Bank while closely following food-safety guidelines, said Kyleigh Johnson, a spokeswoman for Disneyland Resort.

The planned closure of the popular tourist destination, which will last at least through the end of March, was announced Thursday as part of a widespread effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

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The resort has operated a food-donation program since 2014, donating unserved food to those in need in the surrounding community, Johnson said, adding that more than 20,000 meals were provided to the food bank last year.

The program is "in addition to the food-scraps diversion program, which also supports our environmental efforts in reducing food waste," she said.

The decision to close Disneyland and California Adventure was announced the day after California health officials recommended the cancelation of gatherings of more than 250 people, including sporting events and business conferences.

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this station.