Country Star Jennifer Nettles To 'Outnumber Hunger'

DECATUR, GA -- Georgia native and country-music superstar Jennifer Nettles is teaming up with General Mills and other partners to feed the hungry.

Nettles has been named this year's campaign spokeswoman for Outnumber Hunger, a program that lets consumers punch in a code from General Mills products and their own zip code to steer food donations to charities in their area.

"Being the face of this year's Outnumber Hunger campaign is so exciting, and not just because I'll be on the front of a cereal box ...," Nettles said in a news release. "I'm thrilled to be a part of this program because my fans can conveniently go to their grocery store, pick up products already on their shopping list, and can help their neighbors, just by entering a code."

Outnumber Hunger has helped secure 40 million meals since 2011, according to its website.

Nettles and other recording artists from Big Machine Label Group will be featured on the packaging of more than 150 General Mills products, including Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Nature Valley and Old El Paso.

Going online to punch in a code on that packaging and a zip code helps the group Feeding America secure five meals on behalf of a local food bank each time.

"As a leader in food, we have a responsibility to do what we can to support the one in seven Americans who may not know where their next meal is going to come from," Jay Picconatto, director of General Mills, said in the news release. "We are excited to partner with Jennifer Nettles, Big Machine Label Group and Feeding America to bring attention to the issue of hunger in America and provide meals to those who turn to their local food bank for help."

Since 2011, other artists who have loaned their names and images to the program include Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, Reba McEntire, Thomas Rhett, Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery.

As this year's spokeswoman, Nettles will likely perform charity concerts and visit food banks across the country, as well as taking part in radio and other media campaigns.

A native of Douglas, Georgia, Nettles launched her music career while she was a student at Agnes Scott College in Decatur.

She recorded two albums with her college band, Soul Miner's Daughter, before forming the Atlanta-based Jennifer Nettles Band in 1999. Her biggest success came after forming Sugarland, with Kristen Hall and Kristian Bush, in 2003.

The GRAMMY Award-winner's second solo album, "Playing With Fire," is scheduled to be released May 13.

(Photo courtesy Outnumber Hunger)