The Arby’s Foundation announced it raised $7.5 million this year to support youth empowerment initiatives across America. The funds, which set a new record for the Foundation, were raised at Arby’s restaurant locations in the United States as well as through the Foundation’s partner program.

The funds will be used to support organizations that share the Foundation’s mission to help kids build, expand, and pursue their dreams. In order to achieve that mission, the Foundation focuses its efforts on childhood hunger, youth leadership, and career readiness initiatives.

“It’s our responsibility to support those who represent the future of our communities – our youth,” said Paul Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “I’m proud of the enormous response from our guests and team members who came together to support such an important cause.”

A major beneficiary of the funds raised is Share our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. No Kid Hungry works to ensure that every child has access to healthy food where they live, learn, and play. Ending childhood hunger is one of three pillars of the Foundation, and since 2011, Arby’s has contributed nearly $30 million to hunger relief organizations across all 50 states.

“We believe every kid deserves to dream big and pursue their dreams with confidence,” said Christopher Fuller, Executive Director of the Arby’s Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of the Arby’s family, our efforts will have an immediate and lasting impact on millions of kids in America.”