Market Newsdesk

WESTON, FL, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire — Monaker Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKGI), a leading provider of travel and vacation rental booking technology, has completed the proposed acquisition announced earlier this year of a 33% equity stake in Axion Ventures, Inc. (TSXV:AXV; OTCQB: AXNVF), a majority owner of Axion Games and True Axion Games. Additionally, as part of the transaction, Monaker has been assigned ownership of an aggregate of US$7.6 million in debt owed by Axion Ventures which has been called and is past due.

Axion Games, founded in 2006 and formerly known as Epic Games China, is an independent AAA game development studio and game publisher. Axion creates high production value game content developed by a creative team that has been responsible for many top-selling games, including several blockbuster titles from Epic Games.

The acquisition of Axion was made in conjunction with the previously announced planned acquisition of HotPlay Enterprise, a next generation in-game advertising company (IGA) that leverages proprietary Artificial Intelligence to reach, engage and convert gamers by seamlessly integrating native ads and non-intrusive digital coupons redeemable through both online and offline channels. While the acquisition of 33% of Axion has now closed, the acquisition of HotPlay is subject to shareholder approval.

“Through the acquisition of the 33% ownership in Axion and the planned acquisition of HotPlay, Monaker will be transformed from being a player only in the B2B travel technology space into a broad technology enterprise leveraging video gaming, in-game digital advertising and travel booking platforms to engage consumers for the benefit of major brands and travel providers. Completing the acquisition of this initial stake in Axion Ventures represents the first significant step toward us becoming an industry leader in these exciting and flourishing areas,” said CEO Bill Kerby.

Upon shareholder approval and the subsequent closing of the planned HotPlay acquisition, Monaker plans to rebrand the company as NextPlay Technologies, and it has requested that NASDAQ reserve the stock trading symbol, NXTP.

Monaker is looking to take advantage of the high-growth gaming market, which is expected to grow 9.3% in 2020 to $159.3 billion, and reach $200 billion by 2023, according to the May 2020 Newzoo industry report. The launch of next generation gaming consoles is expected to be a key contributor. Research and Markets estimates the growing global in-game advertising market to be valued at more than $128 billion.

In consideration for the acquisition, Monaker issued the holders of the Axion debt shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock which are automatically convertible into 3,828,500 shares of Monaker’s common stock following the closing of Monaker’s previously announced planned acquisition of HotPlay Enterprise Limited (the “Closing”) and warrants to purchase 1,939,256 shares of common stock which only become vested, subject to certain conditions, after the Closing, and further issued the holders of the Axion shares newly designated shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, which will be automatically converted into a number of shares of Monaker’s common stock equal to 14.68% of Monaker’s outstanding common stock shares following the Closing, less the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Series C Proffered Stock and issuable upon exercise of the warrants. At the Closing, HotPlay which will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Monaker and the former stockholders of HotPlay will hold 67.87% of Monaker’s outstanding shares of common stock (when including the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants) and the Monaker shareholders will hold 17.45% of Monaker’s outstanding shares of common stock (when including the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants).

As reported in an October 2020 Monaker shareholder update, HotPlay and Monaker are currently drafting a shareholder proxy statement. When HotPlay’s US GAAP compliant financial statements are completed, Monaker plans to file the proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Once the proxy statement passes review by the SEC, Monaker plans to deliver the proxy statement to shareholders and hold a meeting to approve the items required to close the HotPlay transaction and the issuance of shares of common stock upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and the warrants granted in connection with the closing of the Axion transaction.

Additional information regarding the transactions is available in three Monaker Current Reports on Form 8-K, which were filed with the SEC on July 23, 2020, October 29, 2020 and on November 18, 2020, and available at www.sec.gov.

Note: Monaker’s acquisition of HotPlay is subject to various closing conditions, consents and requirements. No assurances can be made that the parties will successfully consummate the transactions contemplated by the HotPlay agreement on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated or at all. The HotPlay transaction is subject to regulatory review and shareholder approvals, as well as other customary conditions.

About Monaker Group

Monaker Group, Inc., is an innovative technology-driven company focused on delivering inventory and booking solutions for the alternative lodging rental (ALR) market. The company’s proprietary Monaker Booking Engine (MBE) is designed to provide connected partners’ access to search, instantly confirm property availability, and to book vacation rental homes, villas, chalets, apartments, condos, resort residences and castles. MBE offers travel distributors and agencies a platform to dynamically package and sell alternative lodging rentals. For more information about Monaker Group, visit www.monakergroup.com  and follow on twitter @MonakerGroup.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the matters discussed in this communication which are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “strategy,” “expects,” “continues,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “would,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “projects,” “goals,” “targets” and other words of similar meaning are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying these statements.

Important factors that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the ability of the parties to close the HotPlay share exchange agreement on the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the required timing set forth in, the HotPlay share exchange agreement, if at all; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or all of HotPlay, the HotPlay shareholders or the Company (collectively, the “Share Exchange Parties”) to terminate the HotPlay share exchange agreement; the effect of such termination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Share Exchange Parties or their respective directors; the ability to obtain regulatory and other approvals and meet other closing conditions to the HotPlay share exchange agreement on a timely basis or at all, including the risk that regulatory and other approvals required for the HotPlay share exchange agreement are not obtained on a timely basis or at all, or are obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated or that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction; the ability to obtain approval by the Company’s stockholders on the expected schedule of the transactions contemplated by the HotPlay share exchange agreement; difficulties and delays in integrating HotPlay’s and the Company’s businesses; prevailing economic, market, regulatory or business conditions, or changes in such conditions, negatively affecting the parties; risks associated with COVID-19 and the global response thereto; risks that the transactions disrupt the Company’s or HotPlay’s current plans and operations; failing to fully realize anticipated cost savings and other anticipated benefits of the HotPlay share exchange agreement when expected or at all; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the HotPlay share exchange agreement; the ability of HotPlay and the Company to retain and hire key personnel; the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations; uncertainty as to the long-term value of the common stock of the combined company following the HotPlay share exchange agreement; the significant dilution which will be created to ownership interests of the Company in connection with the closing of the HotPlay share exchange agreement and the conversion of the securities issued to the former Axion shareholders and debt holders; the continued availability of capital and financing following the HotPlay share exchange agreement; the business, economic and political conditions in the markets in which Share Exchange Parties operate; and the fact that the Company’s reported earnings and financial position may be adversely affected by tax and other factors.

Other important factors that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements included in this communication are described in the Company’s publicly filed reports, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 29, 2020 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2020.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not complete and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on behalf of any Share Exchange Parties are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements referenced above.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed HotPlay share exchange agreement transactions, the Company will file with the SEC a proxy statement to seek stockholder approval for the HotPlay share exchange agreement and the issuance of shares of common stock pursuant thereto and in connection therewith, which, when finalized, will be sent to the stockholders of the Company seeking their approval of the respective transaction-related proposals. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED HOTPLAY SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY, HOTPLAY AND THE PROPOSED HOTPLAY SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT.

Investors and security holders may obtain copies of these documents free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or from the Company at its website, www.monakergroup.com. Documents filed with the SEC by the Company will be available free of charge by accessing the Company’s website at www.monakergroup.com under the heading “Stock Info” or, alternatively, by directing a request by mail, email or telephone to Monaker Group, Inc. at 2893 Executive Park Drive, Suite 201, Weston, Florida 33331; [email protected]; or (954) 888-9779, respectively.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company and certain of its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the respective stockholders of the Company in respect of the proposed HotPlay share exchange agreement under the rules of the SEC. Information about the Company’s directors and executive officers is available in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the year ended February 29, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2020. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the HotPlay share exchange agreement when they become available. Investors should read the proxy statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the Company using the sources indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Source: Monaker Group

Company Contact:

Monaker Group, Inc.

Richard Marshall

Director of Corporate Development

Tel (954) 888-9779

[email protected]

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UPMC Health Plan and Sempre Health today announced the expansion of their highly successful medication adherence affordability collaboration to now include diabetes medicines. Launched in 2017, the program, which uses SMS messaging to provide discounts for cardiovascular medications, has saved participating UPMC Health Plan members more than $500,000, with the average member saving $33 per prescription refill. Based upon this success, UPMC Health Plan and Sempre Health are expanding the program to include diabetes medications for members of UPMC Health Plan’s fully insured employer group plans, as well as self-insured employer group plans that do not opt out of this coverage. Members eligible for the expansion program will be able to begin enrolling in November, just in time for National Diabetes Month.

“We are expanding this program to cover nearly all of our branded formulary preferred diabetes medications because we know that medications for chronic disease can sometimes place an ongoing financial burden on patients,” said Chronis Manolis RPh, chief pharmacy officer at UPMC Health Plan. “We’re excited to build upon the strong outcomes of this program to date. With this expansion of the program, members are empowered to drive down their costs and over time improve their health outcomes.”

In the US, nearly one-third of patients say they have not taken their medicine as prescribed due to costs – a bleak statistic especially given the impact that cost-related nonadherence can have on health outcomes.¹ Under this program, when participating members fill their eligible prescriptions on time, they will receive discounts on their copayments. Early results from the UPMC Health Plan and Sempre Health partnership show that this novel discount model results in significant improvement in member engagement and increased adherence to the medication.

During the first year of the UPMC Health Plan and Sempre Health partnership, the program successfully enrolled more than one-in-three eligible members and led to significant improvements in adherence versus a control group. Additionally, the natural language text reminders and conversations with members led to increased engagement by creating a personalized and concierge experience for those enrolled.

“Patients who consistently follow their doctor’s orders by filling their prescriptions on time and taking their medications as prescribed are rewarded with Sempre’s dynamic discounts on their copay — amounting to a ‘good driver discount” for healthcare,’ said Anurati Mathur, CEO of Sempre Health. “Our growing partnership with UPMC Health Plan enables patients across Pennsylvania to share in the savings they generate when making healthy decisions. We’re excited to build upon our strong outcomes to date and further improve medication affordability and access for the UPMC Health Plan members who need us most.”

# # #

 

About UPMC Insurance Services

Serving more than 3.9 million members, UPMC Insurance Services is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh, Pa. UPMC Insurance Services includes commercial products from UPMC Health Plan for groups as well as individuals. Commercial products also include workers’ compensation and employee assistance from nationally known Workpartners. Government products include Medicare Advantage (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life CompleteCare and UPMC Community HealthChoices); Medical Assistance (UPMC for You); and Children’s Health Insurance Program (UPMC for Kids). Community Care Behavioral Health, one of the nation’s largest managed care behavioral health organizations. For more information, visit www.upmchealthplan.com. 

About Sempre Health

Sempre Health works with leading health plans and pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of copayments for patients who refill their prescriptions on time. By combining technology, behavioral science and dynamic pricing, Sempre Health aims to boost all of its members’ medication adherence to exceed 80 percent of days covered — the widely acknowledged gold standard. Doing so will dramatically improve the health of millions of people and save hundreds of billions of dollars in avoidable medical costs. For more information visit: www.semprehealth.com.

 

¹Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation: KFF Health Tracking Poll – February 2019: Prescription Drugs (https://www.kff.org/health-reform/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-february-2019-prescription-drugs/)

Bill Ries
UPMC Health Plan
412-454-8708
[email protected]

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE:GNK), the largest U.S. headquartered drybulk shipowner focused on the transportation of major and minor bulk commodities globally, today announced its participation in Noble Capital Markets’ C-Suite Interview Series, presented by Channelchek.

The interview was led by Noble Capital Markets Senior Research Analyst Poe Fratt. Joining Poe was John Wobensmith, Chief Executive Officer of Genco Shipping & Trading Limited. Key topics discussed in this interview include:

• Macro outlook for industry recovery – Managing through the volatility
• Regulatory outlook and possible changes
• Genco’s fleet renewal program strategy
• Managing crew changes amidst Covid pandemic
• Scrubbers – Benefits achieved for Capes to date
• Greatest challenges and opportunities going forward

The interview was recorded on November 9, and is available now on Channelchek.

About Genco Shipping & Trading Limited

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited transports iron ore, coal, grain, steel products and other drybulk cargoes along worldwide shipping routes. As of November 18, 2020, Genco Shipping & Trading Limited’s fleet consists of 17 Capesize, six Ultramax, 18 Supramax and seven Handysize vessels with an aggregate capacity of approximately 4,627,000 dwt and an average age of 10.3 years.

About Noble Capital Markets

Noble Capital Markets, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 as a full-service SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer, dedicated exclusively to serving underfollowed small / microcap companies through investment banking, wealth management, trading & execution, and equity research activities. Over the past 36 years, Noble has raised billions of dollars for these companies and published more than 45,000 equity research reports. www.noblecapitalmarkets.com email: [email protected]

About
Channelchek

Channelchek (.com) is a comprehensive investor-centric portal – featuring more than 6,000 emerging growth companies – that provides advanced market data, independent research, balanced news, video webcasts, exclusive c-suite interviews, and access to virtual road shows. The site is available to the public at every level without cost or obligation. Research on Channelchek is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., an SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer since 1984. www.channelchek.com email: [email protected]

CONTACT:

Apostolos Zafolias
Chief Financial Officer
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
(646) 443-8550

CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FluroTech Ltd. (TSXV: TEST) (OTCQB: FLURF), (“FluroTech” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce that (“FluroTest”) will launch its first product solution aimed at solving the testing problems facing the operators of large stadiums, arenas, and other high capacity venues.

The FluroTest stadium and arena product solution is a COVID testing platform capable of running 3,000 tests per hour directly at the point of collection with results immediately available to every test taker within 5 minutes. This enables the safe opening of stadiums, arenas, airports, and other high traffic environments. Platforms can be configured to open any 60,000-seat indoor arena or outdoor stadium to full capacity in less than 2 hours.

“We applaud this week’s Ticketmaster COVID-19 Announcement. This is a major step toward creating safe environments and restoring trust,” said Bill Phelan, CEO of FluroTest. “We are pleased to offer our solution to provide fast, accurate and low-cost testing for all ticket holders and automatically transmit test results directly to every ticket holder’s digital safe pass within minutes of taking the test. All ticket holders will get comfort from knowing that every ticket holder has been tested right before they walked through the gates.”

By combining and leveraging the well-developed disciplines of robotics automation, biochemistry, fluorescence detection and cloud computing, FluroTest’s patent pending pandemic defense platform (the “Platform”) is designed to achieve throughput rates of 3,000 tests per hour with results on the mobile device of the test taker in 5 minutes.

FluroTest believes its Platform can benefit organizations serving large, concentrated populations and bearing significant pandemic risk, forcing them to incur consequential business disruptions and closures. Examples include, but are not limited to: colleges and universities, hospitals & large healthcare complexes, athletic stadiums & large performance venues, corporate campus environments, large office buildings & complexes, shopping malls and centers, retail working warehouses, factories, food processing plants, airlines, as well as any public transportation hub such as subway entrances and airport terminals.

“The FluroTest solution solves the three problems standing in the way of making it safe to open stadiums, arenas, and large gatherings. Decision makers attempting to deploy testing solutions are forced to make trade-offs between speed, accuracy and cost. Most rapid tests sacrifice accuracy for speed. High accuracy has also come to mean high cost. The FluroTest solution is fast, highly accurate, and inexpensive so decision makers no longer need to wrestle with difficult trade-offs,” said Danny Dalla-Longa CEO of Flurotech Ltd.

Readers are cautioned that, although FluroTest has achieved proof of concept prototype, the testing method and device is still in the early stages of research and development and accordingly FluroTest is not currently making any express or implied claims that the technology can, or will be able to, accurately detect the COVID-19 virus. The Platform is currently pending FDA approval. In addition, FluroTest requires additional capital in the near-term to further the development and deployment of its testing device and will be seeking equity investors and is exploring strategic partnerships in connection with the same.

A
bout

FluroTech

(TSXV:

TEST

) (OTCQB:

FLURF

)

FluroTech’s proprietary spectroscopy-based technology allows for the testing and identification of organic and inorganic compounds contained within biological samples for specific applications. Using technology that was first developed at the University of Calgary, FluroTech has created a two-part solution comprised of its CompleTest™ platform technology and consumable testing kits. Its accuracy has been independently validated. FluroTech continues to develop additional applications for the CompleTest™ platform technology. To learn more, visit FluroTech.com

About FluroTest LLC

Unlike firms developing individual tests for the detection of SARS-CoV2, FluroTest is developing a complete system for surge-scale testing of viruses and other pathogens to be deployed in environments where significant numbers of people need to be tested rapidly and frequently. By combining and leveraging the disciplines of robotics automation, biochemistry (antibody labeling and binding), fluorescence detection and cloud computing, FluroTest believes it is creating the first pandemic defense platform of its kind.

FluroTest is seeking additional capital in the near-term and will also be exploring strategic partnerships with manufacturing and distribution companies to advance the deployment of the patent pending platform it is developing. To learn more, visit FluroTest.com

Contact Information

FluroTech Ltd.	FluroTest LLC
Danny Dalla-Longa	William P. Phelan
Chief Executive Officer	Chief Executive Officer
403.680.0644	518.369.4902
[email protected]	[email protected]
FluroTech.com	FluroTest.com

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the benefit or account of U.S. persons, absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer’s business, capital, technology or operations that is prospective in nature, and includes future-oriented financial information about the issuer’s prospective financial performance or financial position. The forward-looking information in this news release includes disclosure about FluroTest’s and its partners involvement in the launch its first product and solution offering, the ability to adapt FluroTech’s CompleTest™ platform technology to test for viruses, including COVID-19, as well as accurately determining viral load, the ability to adapt the technology to allow for the detection of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 human antibodies in a patient’s blood sample, and the speed and accuracy of such testing, the need for financing of FluroTest in the near term and the formation of strategic partnerships for the deployment and distribution of the technology. The Company made certain material assumptions, including but not limited to prevailing market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, as well as the ability to adopt the CompleTest™ technology as described herein in a timely manner and to obtain the financing required in connection with the same, to develop the forward-looking information in this news release. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors described in the Corporation’s Annual Information Form under the heading “Risk Factors” and the failure to adapt the CompleTest™ technology as contemplated herein in a timely manner or at all, the risk that competitors will develop a similar or superior testing platform, the technology not having the anticipated testing benefits, the inability of FluroTest to obtain the necessary financing to achieve its purpose on satisfactory terms or at all, the failure to form strategic partnerships necessary to deploy and distribute the technology. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material risk factors and assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this news release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release
.

Online Event Scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., ET

CELEBRATION, Fla., Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KemPharm, Inc. (OTCQB: KMPH), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary prodrugs, today announced that it will co-host an online investor event with Corium, Inc. to discuss the potential commercialization strategy for KP415 and the anticipated opportunity for the drug product as a potential new entry into the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) marketplace if approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The online event will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, beginning at 10:00 a.m., ET.

The event will feature speakers from KemPharm, Corium, and Ann Childress, M.D., President of the Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. The speakers will provide an update on the KP415 New Drug Application (NDA) review process, discuss the current ADHD patient and prescriber landscape, and highlight the anticipated KP415 commercialization and launch strategy, if approved. Additional details on how to attend the online event will be provided in a subsequent announcement.

KP415 is KemPharm’s investigational product candidate for the treatment of ADHD. KP415 consists of serdexmethylphenidate (SDX), KemPharm’s prodrug of d-methylphenidate (d-MPH), co-formulated with immediate-release d-MPH. KP415 is designed to address unmet needs with the most widely-prescribed methylphenidate ADHD treatments, including earlier onset of action and longer duration of therapy, while avoiding unnecessary spikes in d-MPH concentrations that may be associated with adverse events. The NDA for KP415 is currently under review with the FDA with an anticipated PDUFA date of March 2, 2021.

Corium, a portfolio company of Gurnet Point Capital (GPC), is leading all commercialization activities for KP415. In September 2019, KemPharm entered into a license agreement with an affiliate of GPC, for the exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize certain of KemPharm’s product candidates containing SDX, including KemPharm’s ADHD product candidates, KP415 and KP484.

About KemPharm:

KemPharm is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary prodrugs to treat serious medical conditions through its proprietary LAT™ (Ligand Activated Therapy) technology. KemPharm utilizes its proprietary LAT™ technology to generate improved prodrug versions of FDA-approved drugs as well as to generate prodrug versions of existing compounds that may have applications for new disease indications. KemPharm’s prodrug product candidate pipeline is focused on the high need areas of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and stimulant use disorder. KemPharm’s co-lead clinical development candidates for the treatment of ADHD, KP415 and KP484, are both based on a prodrug of d-methylphenidate, but have differing duration/effect profiles. In addition, KemPharm has received FDA approval for APADAZ^®, an immediate-release combination product containing benzhydrocodone, a prodrug of hydrocodone, and acetaminophen. For more information on KemPharm and its pipeline of prodrug product candidates visit www.kempharm.com or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, including without limitation the Company’s proposed development and commercial timelines, and can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “should,” “continue” or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance. These forward-looking statements, including the timing of the PDUFA date and potential FDA approval of the KP415 NDA, the potential commercial launch of KP415, the potential clinical benefits of KP415 or any of the Company’s product candidates, are based on information currently available to KemPharm and its current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect current plans. Risks concerning KemPharm’s business are described in detail in KemPharm’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, KemPharm’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, and KemPharm’s other Periodic and Current Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. KemPharm is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

KemPharm Contacts:

Jason Rando / Maureen McEnroe
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
212-375-2665 / 2664
[email protected]
[email protected]

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via InvestorWire — GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: ATUMF) today announces its placement in an editorial published by NetworkNewsWire (“NNW”), one of 50+ trusted brands in the InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company for private and public entities.

To view the full publication, “Surging Demand for Gold Investment Opportunities Creates Rising Opportunity for Mining Companies,” please visit: https://www.nnw.fm/dmY01

Investors are flocking to gold, silver and other precious metals in record numbers. One firm, BullionVault, reports that in the past six months demand to invest in gold, silver and platinum has reached almost half a billion dollars. “Net of client selling, investing in physical bullion on our peer-to-peer platform — first opened in 2005 — has now topped $442 million since the pandemic reached Europe and North America in March,” the company said. Mining companies around the world are benefitting from this rising investment tide, as they work to strengthen their positions, increase their holdings and ultimately provide more raw material for investors looking for more stable options.

One of those companies, GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: ATUMF), has secured options on some of the most promising properties in the highly productive Maricunga Gold Belt of Chile, including one yielding rock chip sample assays of 764 grams per tonne gold and 719 grams per tonne silver. GoldHaven plans to commence a drilling program in January 2021.

About
GoldHaven
Resources Corp.

GoldHaven is a Canadian junior exploration company active in the Maricunga Gold Belt of Northern Chile. The Maricunga measures 150 km north-south and 30 km east-west and is host to discoveries in the last 10 years of 100 million oz. gold; 450 million oz. silver and 13 billion lbs. copper. The company has agreements in place to acquire seven projects with extensive surface study. GoldHaven has identified four of its seven properties as being “high-priority targets,” three of which the company plans to drill commencing January 2021. These priority targets were designated as such due, first, to the analytical work that has been completed on all the properties and, second, to their relative locations in respect to existing deposits. One such existing project is Coya, located approximately 16 km northeast of the La Coipa mine, where Kinross extracted over 6.2 million oz. Other existing projects include Rio Loa and Alicia, which are respectively 25 km and 30 km distance from GoldHaven’s Salares Norte deposit with a discovery of 5 million oz. gold, 450 million oz. silver and 13 billion oz. copper. For more information about the company, visit www.GoldHavenResources.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ATUMF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://nnw.fm/ATUMF.

About NetworkNewsWire

NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) NetworkNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. NNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness.

NNW is where news, content and information converge.

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For more information please visit https://www.NetworkNewsWire.com.

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer

NetworkNewsWire (NNW)
New York, New York
www.NetworkNewsWire.com
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Delic Holdings Inc. (“DELIC” or the “Company”), a psychedelic-focused media, e-commerce and event company, is pleased to announce that effective at market open today, the Company will begin trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol “DELC.”

Jackee Stang, CEO of DELIC comments “Canada has consistently shown leadership in helping cannabis and now psychedelics emerge from false stigmas. Canada was the first G7 country to legalize cannabis, and as psychedelics further gain ground on what may appear as false stigmas, the health and wellness sector will only grow. As such, the DELIC community is deeply proud to be a part of the Canadian Securities Exchange. We started DELIC to mainstream the psychedelic conversation, advocate for cognitive freedom and ultimately see an end to the War on Drugs.”

Ms. Stang continued, “As the first ever psychedelic wellness corporation, it is our mission to open the doors of psychedelic healing to the masses. We decided to take DELIC public because we believe that psychedelic wellness should be open to everyone… All people from diverse backgrounds and varied life experiences. DELIC is the first ever psychedelic wellness company designed to disrupt the status quo by diversifying our operations, maintaining sensible messaging and intentionally avoiding dogmatic practices or binary rhetoric. We believe in being pragmatic and maintaining a clear-headed approach as the psychedelic sector continues to build.”

In conjunction with the previously-announced business combination with Molystar Resources Inc., DELIC raised ‎$3,475,500 ‎through a non-‎brokered private placement offering.

On November 17, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 3,450,000 options to directors, officers and certain advisors pursuant to the Company’s share compensation plan — each with an exercise price of $0.25, vesting as to 1/3 of such options on each of the 6, 12 and 18-month anniversaries, and expiring in three years.

About DELIC

DELIC was formed in 2019 to address the growing ‎interest in psychedelic science. DELIC was the ‎first psychedelic umbrella media ‎platform and is currently a trusted source for those interested in ‎psychedelic science. ‎DELIC’s offerings include “The Delic”, an e-commerce lifestyle brand, ‎‎”Reality Sandwich”, a free public education platform providing psychedelic guides, news and ‎culture and “Meet Delic”, a proposed biannual psychedelic wellness summit. ‎For more information, check out www.deliccorp.com.

Contact

Daniel Southan-Dwyer
Corporate Development
[email protected]

The Canadian Securities Exchange ‎has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and does not accept responsibility ‎for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.‎

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities ‎in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered ‎under the United States ‎Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “

U.S. Securities Act

”), or any state ‎securities laws and may not be offered or ‎sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. ‎Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an ‎exemption from such registration is available.‎

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable ‎Canadian securities ‎legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking ‎statements” within the meaning of ‎the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities ‎Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking ‎information and forward-looking statements are not ‎representative of historical facts or information or current ‎condition, but instead represent only the ‎Company’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of ‎which, by their nature, are ‎inherently uncertain and outside of DELIC’s control. Generally, such forward-looking ‎information or ‎forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎”plans”, ‎‎”expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, ‎‎‎”anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or may ‎contain ‎statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be ‎taken”, “will continue”, ‎‎”will occur” or “will be achieved”. The forward-looking information and forward-‎looking statements contained herein ‎may include, but are not limited to, information concerning listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange, anticipated continued growth in the health and wellness sector (and, in particular, related to psychedelics), the continued emergence of psychedelics from stigmas, the ability of the Company to maintain sensible messaging, the ability of the Company to avoid dogmatic practices and binary rhetoric‎, the ability of DELIC to successfully achieve business ‎objectives, ‎and expectations ‎for other economic, ‎business, and/or competitive factors.‎

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, DELIC is alerting the reader that ‎such ‎information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors ‎that may cause ‎the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of DELIC to be ‎materially different from those ‎expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in ‎connection with the forward-looking ‎information and forward-looking statements contained in this press ‎release, DELIC has made certain ‎assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual ‎results to differ materially from those projected in the ‎forward-looking information and statements are the ‎following: the ability to consummate the Proposed Transaction; ‎the ability to ‎obtain requisite regulatory and securityholder approvals and the satisfaction of ‎other conditions to the ‎consummation of the Proposed Transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the ability to ‎satisfy the ‎conditions to the conversion of the Subscription ‎‎Receipts (as defined in the Previous Press Release); the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the Proposed Transaction on ‎relationships, ‎including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; ‎changes in general economic, ‎business and political conditions, including changes in the financial ‎markets; changes in applicable laws; compliance ‎with extensive government regulation; and the diversion ‎of management time on the Proposed Transaction.‎

Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions ‎underlying the ‎forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary ‎materially from those described ‎herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or ‎expected.‎

Although DELIC believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations ‎contained ‎in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not ‎be placed on such ‎information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such ‎forward-looking information and ‎statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events ‎could differ materially from those anticipated ‎in such information and statements. The forward-looking ‎information and forward-looking statements contained in this ‎press release are made as of the date of ‎this press release, and DELIC does not undertake to update any ‎forward-looking information ‎and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in ‎accordance with ‎applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and ‎statements ‎attributable to DELIC or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this ‎‎notice.‎

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN UNITED STATES

BEIJING, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlueCity, a world-leading LGBTQ community platform providing a full suite of services to foster connections and enhance the well-being of the LGBTQ community, has introduced new interactive features to facilitate even more effective connections on LESDO, a leading social networking app for the lesbian community in China.

Saving time and helping to build more meaningful connections

Marking the first major change since BlueCity’s recent acquisition of LESDO, the update aims to better encourage users to start up more meaningful and revealing conversations, while also bringing them greater choice. The updated version of LESDO allows each user to define their desired match results from the very outset.

This rollout includes a customizable User Recommendation System, which allows users to either prioritize distance or how active other users are to optimize match results. 

In addition, LESDO is debuting the “Catch” feature, a new way of making contacts – much like trying to “catch” someone’s attention. If a user wants to “catch” someone, they will answer a preset or a personalized question chosen by the user they are interested in, such as: “What is the best thing that happened to you last week?” or “What is your favorite city in the world?”

After sending the answer, the user being “caught” will receive a notification that someone is trying to “catch” their attention and can see the other user’s answer. From there, the conversation can progress.

“According to our user data, we’ve seen that some users might be too shy or too passive to start a conversation. That’s why we designed the new feature as an effective ice-breaker, which, in many cases, is the most challenging part of the entire journey,” said Ze Ye, founder of LESDO.

“The Catch feature also leads to more efficient and richer communication because the question you ask reveals much about who you are and what interests you, and, of course, the answer you receive can help you learn about the person on the other end.” 

Better serving the broader LGBTQ community

This August, BlueCity successfully acquired LESDO, which has quickly grown to become a leading social networking app targeting China’s underserved lesbian community since its inception in 2014.

This acquisition marked a significant milestone in implementing BlueCity’s strategy to serve subgroups within the broader LGBTQ community.

A Frost & Sullivan Report estimated the global LGBTQ population as approximately 450 million in 2018, with expectations of it growing to 591 million by 2023. Lesbian and bisexual women combined account for nearly 40% of the LGBTQ population, representing a population of nearly 200 million globally, the report said.

About LESDO

LESDO is a location-based social networking app serving the lesbian community in China, allowing users to express themselves while building authentic and healthy social connections via private chats, group chats and livestreaming. BlueCity acquired LESDO in 2020, combining two of region’s largest social networks for the LGBTQ community.

About BlueCity

BlueCity (NASDAQ: BLCT) is a world-leading online LGBTQ platform providing a full suite of services to foster connections and enhance the wellbeing of the LGBTQ community. Mobile app Blued is the platform’s central hub, allowing users to conveniently and safely connect with each other, express themselves and access professional health-related and family planning consulting services. Blued has connected 54 million registered users worldwide, and is now the largest online LGBTQ community in China, India, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

For more information, please contact BlueCity Holdings Limited at:

Vincent Tang: [email protected]

Kent Sun: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/070d6794-8713-463d-96cc-0113d67c6001

MOREHEAD, Ky., Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppHarvest today announced Travis Parman will join the AgTech leader as chief communications officer, reporting to Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb.

An Appalachian native, Parman joins AppHarvest after serving in a number of global communications roles since 2012 in Paris, Tokyo and Nashville with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance — most recently as vice president for Nissan Americas and president of the Nissan Foundation.

“Travis has worked for leading companies around the globe and is another example of Appalachian natives returning home to work with AppHarvest as we build an iconic brand from within our region,” Webb said.

Added Parman, “AppHarvest’s strategy to build America’s AgTech capital from within Appalachia speaks to my passions, and I’m eager to help tell the company’s story that focuses on improving access to sustainably grown fruits and vegetables.”

Prior to his work with Nissan, Parman held public relations leadership roles with companies including General Motors, Ally Financial, Pulte Homes and Lockheed Martin. He holds a master’s degree in communications management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee.

Parman joins as AppHarvest recently opened its flagship farm – a 2.76-million-square-foot facility growing tomatoes – in October in Morehead, Ky. The company also recently broke ground on two additional facilities – a similar 60-plus acre facility outside Richmond, Ky., and a 15-acre facility to grow leafy greens in Berea, Ky.

How is AppHarvest different from traditional agriculture companies?

• The company’s controlled environment agriculture facilities are designed to reduce water usage by 90% due to unique circular irrigation systems connected with large-scale rainwater retention ponds. The system is designed to eliminate harmful agricultural runoff, which contributes to toxic algae blooms.
• AppHarvest farms are located in water-rich Central Appalachia in contrast to much of America’s vegetable production that is concentrated in Arizona and California, states that continue to confront water scarcity and climate disruptions.
• Strong relationships with leading AgTech universities and companies in the Netherlands position AppHarvest as a leading applied technology agriculture company. The Netherlands has developed a significant high-tech greenhouse industry, becoming the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter despite having a land mass roughly equal in size to Eastern Kentucky. Earlier this year, AppHarvest led a landmark 17-organization agreement uniting Dutch and Kentucky governments, universities, and private companies, with all committing to building America’s AgTech capital from within Appalachia.
• AppHarvest puts the planet and people first as a registered Benefit Corporation and has also been certified as a B Corp by the nonprofit B Lab.

In just over two years, AppHarvest has attracted more than $150 million in investment into Central Appalachia and announced on September 29, 2020, its entry into a definitive agreement for a business combination with publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company Novus Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: NOVS). The combination, which is expected to close late in the fourth quarter of 2020 or early in the first quarter of 2021, is expected to provide $475 million of gross proceeds to the company, including $375 million from a fully committed common stock PIPE at $10.00 per share anchored by existing and new investors – including Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, Inclusive Capital, and Novus Capital Corporation. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named AppHarvest and is expected to remain listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol APPH.

AppHarvest’s investors include Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Inclusive Capital Partners, Equilibrium, Narya Capital, Lupa Systems, Breyer Capital and Endeavor Catalyst. Endeavor selected AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb as an Endeavor Entrepreneur in 2019.

Board members include food icon Martha Stewart, Narya Capital Co-Founder and Partner JD Vance, Impossible Foods Chief Financial Officer David Lee and impact investor Jeff Ubben.

About AppHarvest


AppHarvest is an applied technology company building some of the world’s largest indoor farms in Appalachia. The Company combines conventional agricultural techniques with cutting-edge technology and is addressing key issues including improving access for all to nutritious food, farming more sustainably, building a home-grown food supply, and increasing investment in Appalachia. The Company’s 60-acre Morehead, KY facility is among the largest indoor farms in the U.S. For more information, visit https://www.appharvest.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding Novus Capital’s proposed acquisition of AppHarvest, Novus Capital’s ability to consummate the transaction, the benefits of the transaction and the combined company’s future financial performance, as well as the combined company’s growth plans and strategy, future operations, estimated financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of AppHarvest’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of AppHarvest. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Novus Capital’s registration statement on Form S-4, filed with the SEC on October 9, 2020 (the “Registration Statement”), under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Novus Capital has filed, or will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect AppHarvest’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. AppHarvest anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while AppHarvest may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, AppHarvest specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing AppHarvest’s assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

In connection with the proposed transaction, Novus Capital has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which includes a preliminary proxy statement to be distributed to holders of Novus Capital’s common stock in connection with Novus Capital’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Novus Capital’s stockholders with respect to the proposed transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of securities to be issued to AppHarvest’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement has been declared effective, Novus Capital will mail a definitive proxy statement, when available, to its stockholders. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about Novus Capital, AppHarvest and the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Novus Capital through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Novus Capital Corporation, 8556 Oakmont Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46260. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

Participants in the Solicitation

Novus Capital and its directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Novus Capital’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of Novus Capital’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading the Registration Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination when they become available. Information concerning the interests of Novus Capital’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their stockholders generally, is set forth in the Registration Statement.

MEDIA CONTACT:
[email protected]



IMAGE/VIDEO GALLERY: Available here

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/909c139c-1572-4eb7-b353-238cea2098ff

Gaithersburg, MD, Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One in three college students face food insecurity each year. With the financial strain on families combined with physical and emotional stress caused by the pandemic, student food insecurity has increased by 14 percent. Following a successful pilot program, which provided more than 15,500 meals for 1,100 students in the Spring semester, Sodexo and Swipe Out Hunger, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending student hunger, announced the expansion of its Meal Swipe Bank to 100 U.S. campuses by the end of 2021.

“Students need our support. The pandemic, unfortunately, has only heightened the already pervasive state of food in-security, being faced by a third of our students,” said Tom Post, CEO, Sodexo Universities. “The Swipe Out Hunger program provides both emergency access to meals and also peace of mind for students that their campus supports them and that there are easily accessible resources should they need access to free meals.”

Sodexo’s commitment on each campus is to provide meal swipes for the Meal Swipe Bank equal to the sum of fall and spring mandatory meal plans sold. Once students are enrolled in the program, these meal swipes are distributed directly onto student ID cards, allowing those in need to anonymously redeem free meals on campus.

“A warm, nourishing meal can make a significant difference in the life of a college student, whether physically, mentally, financially, or academically,” said Rachel Sumekh, Founder and CEO of Swipe Out Hunger. “Partners like Sodexo understand how critical it is to ensure every student has access to food. Working together, we can reach even more students and ensure they have the opportunity to thrive as they earn their degree.”

The Sodexo and Swipe Out Hunger pilot program launched on 12 campuses across the U.S., including Seattle Pacific University and San Francisco State University. As a result of the pilot, 80 percent of participating students felt less stress and 44 percent performed better in their classes. The program will grow to more campuses this fall, such as Minnesota State University Mankato.

“I have been more academically focused and have been able to stretch my funds more adequately throughout the weeks,” said a student who received meals at Seattle Pacific University. “I am mentally more aware and more social and physically able to do more with sustainable nutrition in my body.”

Sodexo and Swipe Out Hunger look forward to partnering with student leaders across the country to address campus hunger through a number of tactics, such as:

• Establishing a Meal Swipe Bank on campus;
• Promoting Swipe Drives, where students can donate unused meal swipes to their peers facing food insecurity
• Joining forces with a Food Security Task Force on campus to discuss challenges and opportunities; and
• Teaming up with Dining Services to expand campus food security programs.

“Since our Swipe Out Hunger chapter was first formed, I think we have had a major impact on student wellbeing at Georgia College,” said Kendyl Lewis, Georgia College & State University’s student founder of Swipe Out Hunger. “Our chapter has helped to feed students who were struggling with hunger, but we have also changed the narrative around helping meet students’ basic needs.”

“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for the swipe donation Sodexo provided to us. It’s been a Godsend to so many students,” Karen Anderson, Asst. Dir., Community Engagement, Minnesota State University, Mankato. “When we send out the award letter, we include a list of other resources students can turn to for support after those swipes have ended. This has resulted in higher usage at those other sources. In this way, Swipe Out Hunger has proven to be support for immediate needs but also ongoing needs.”

As Sodexo and Swipe Out Hunger work to scale the Meal Swipe Bank program to new campuses over the next year, they will simultaneously provide resources to empower students to act. Even though many campuses are operating remotely, students can still act now to end college student hunger through a wealth of Swipe Out Hunger’s advocacy efforts. To get involved:

• Sign this pledge urging Congress to support students’ basic needs;
• Advocate on campus and beyond with their
  advocacy toolkit; or
• Join their 
  student advocacy group to collaborate with like-minded students across the country.   

About Swipe Out Hunger

Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit committed to ending college student hunger. It advises colleges and universities on the design of commonsense and innovative anti-hunger programs. The most commonly adopted model is the organization’s flagship program, “The Swipe Drive,” which allows students to donate their extra meal plan swipes to their peers who face food insecurity on campus. Recognized for its entrepreneurial nature, Swipe Out Hunger has been named an Obama White House Champion For Change and its founder, Rachel Sumekh, has landed a spot on the Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. From its beginnings as a grassroots movement at UCLA in 2010, Swipe Out Hunger has since served 2 million nourishing meals across 39 states and more than 120 campuses. For more information, visit swipehunger.org.

About Sodexo North America

Sodexo North America is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 67 countries. Sodexo is a leading provider of integrated food, facilities management and other services that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life for millions of customers in corporate, education, healthcare, senior living, sports and leisure, government and other environments daily. The company employs 160,000 people at 13,500 sites in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional jobs through its annual purchases of $17B in goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion and safety, while upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility and ethical business conduct. In support of local communities across the U.S., in 2019, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation mobilized 37,000 Sodexo volunteers to distribute 3.2 million meals to help 2.3 million children and adults meet their immediate food needs.  Since 1996, the Stop Hunger Foundation has contributed nearly $34.5 million to help feed children in America impacted by hunger. To learn more about Sodexo, visit US.Sodexo.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

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Dasha Ross-Smith
Sodexo
[email protected]