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OPERATION FEEDING FREEDOM IX
In September 2011, volunteers of Operation Feeding Freedom IX, sponsored by Bloomin' Brands, Inc., returned from their trip to Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. This year, 31 volunteers carried out Bloomin' Brands' annual mission to bring a taste of home from its restaurants in America to U.S. and Coalition Forces. This year’s trip represented the largest feeding of troops to date by Bloomin' Brands and involved volunteers from all five of the Company’s brands: Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine.
The first launch of Operation Feeding Freedom began with a team of Outbackers who traveled to Afghanistan in 2002 to feed troops stationed there. Since that trip, nearly 200 members of the Bloomin' Brands team have made another eight trips serving Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Djibouti, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and aboard the USS Nimitz in the Persian Gulf. Overall, 207,000 troops have been served at numerous bases, forward operating bases and command and control locations.
This effort would not have been possible without the support of United States Central Command and contributions by Bloomin' Brands' purveyors and vendors. Through their generosity, the menu featured Bloomin’ Onions, Spinach Fonduta, Boule Bread with Herbs and Olive Oil, Cavatappi Amatriciana, Chargrilled Steaks, Ravioli and Cheesecake for dessert.
Outback is very fortunate and proud to be able to serve our troops in this way. It is an honor knowing that we have brought a smile and boosted morale by providing a taste of home to the brave men and women that are representing our country overseas.
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