Fazoli's gives away free pasta to 'pay it forward'

LEXINGTON, Ky., April 21 (UPI) -- As part of the International Pay It Forward Day, which inspires random acts of kindness worldwide, the U.S. Fazoli restaurant chain is handing out free pasta.

Fazoli's is handing out more than 100,000 vouchers for free Pasta Marinara in participating Fazoli's locations nationwide to encourage those coming into the restaurant for the free entree to pay it forward by making a donation to Feed The Children, a non-profit hunger relief organization.

Those interested in receiving a voucher or contributing to Feed The Children should stop into a participating Fazoli's location and ask for a voucher on April 25, Cathy Hull, Fazoli's chief marketing officer. Guests have until May 31 to redeem their voucher and make a donation.

There are as many as 16 million U.S. children at risk of hunger. Fazoli's is a partner of Feed The Children. Last year, the restaurant conducted a Breadstick Tour across the country, which raised $50,000, plus 9 tons of food for Feed the Children. Fazoli's second tour begins May 30, Hull said.

International Pay It Forward Day is supported by people in 52 countries around the world. The goal this year is to inspire over 5 million acts of kindness this Thursday. Those interested in learning more about events planned for the day should go to www.payitforwardday.com.