ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In November, Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC) created and hosted its first-ever Harvest for Hunger global food drive which resulted in 53,327 pounds of food donated to food banks worldwide. From November 9 through 30, non-perishable food items were collected from associates, Owners and guests at participating Marriott Vacation Club resorts and at Marriott Vacations Worldwide offices globally. All donations benefitted local food banks near the resorts and offices.

For several years Marriott Vacation Club resorts have participated in a Lobby Food Basket Program, where Owners and guests were given the opportunity to partner with associates to donate non-perishable food items during their stay or upon check-out. Given the success of this program, the Harvest for Hunger concept was conceived as an opportunity to organize a concentrated three week company-wide food drive campaign to maximize donations.

An aggressive goal was set for the first year of the Harvest for Hunger global food drive - to collect eight tons, or 16,000 pounds of non-perishable food items from November 9 through 30, matching the collection results for the entirety of 2014.

"Our Associates, Owners and guests showed great passion and commitment to Harvest for Hunger and more than tripled our company goal for food items collected," said Stephen P. Weisz, president and chief executive officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. "It is because of their generosity that we are able to improve the lives of families in need worldwide. We look forward to continuing the Harvest for Hunger initiative for many years to come."

Marriott Vacations Worldwide is committed to giving back to the communities in which their associates live and work and in which their Owners and guests vacation. Marriott Vacations Worldwide celebrates the "Spirit to Serve" by serving its communities to support these signature issues:

• Shelter and Food
• Environment
• Readiness for hospitality careers
• Vitality for children
• Embracing global diversity and inclusion

Marriott Vacations Worldwide is home to approximately 10,000 associates worldwide. The company focuses on providing unforgettable vacation experiences to over 410,000 Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott Owners and Members around the globe.

About Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a leading global pure-play vacation ownership company, offering a diverse portfolio of quality products, programs and management expertise with 62 resorts. Its brands include Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott. Since entering the industry in 1984 as part of Marriott International, Inc., the company earned its position as a leader and innovator in vacation ownership products. The company preserves high standards of excellence in serving its customers, investors and associates while maintaining a long-term relationship with Marriott International. For more information, please visit www.marriottvacationsworldwide.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottVAC and find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarriottVacationsWorldwide.

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SOURCE Marriott Vacations Worldwide