Ted Allen of Food Network’s Chopped talks about the Most Satisfying Meal You’ll Have All Year

It was an easy decision for Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s hit series Chopped, to get involved with Dining Out for Life^sm, the annual one-day fundraiser held in nearly 60 cities across North America. This year, in partnership with over 3,500 restaurants and with the help of more than 250,000 diners, Dining Out for Life expects to raise over $4 million to support essential services for men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS. With the support of their Host Sponsor Subaru of America, nearly 60 organizations across the continent are working hard to achieve and surpass that goal.

When asked what prompted him to personally step up as a spokesperson for Dining Out for Life, Allen explained, “First, the AIDS crisis continues… and with the new federal budget slashing another $1 billion for AIDS care, it is more important than ever to keep HIV/AIDS on the front burner. Too many people think it's a minor problem solved by swallowing a few pills. It isn't. Second, while supporting local restaurants, chefs, and restaurant workers, Dining Out for Life donations help those right in the same community. Finally, the event gives everybody a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the cause in such a simple way.”

Although much about the disease has changed over the past 30 years, the fact remains that an estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, nearly half without appropriate healthcare. With one in five people not even realizing they are infected, it is estimated that 60,000 new HIV infections will occur in the U.S. this year, with the majority under age 29.

Now is the time to help, suggests Allen: “This country is trying desperately to recover from the recession, and the people who used to donate or volunteer at food banks and soup kitchens now are struggling to feed their own families. It is more important than ever for those of us who are able, to donate time and resources.”

About Subaru of America, Inc

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.