WEST DES MOINES, IA - It’s no secret Hy-Vee is taking a stance to help its surrounding communities. From the beginning, the grocer has announced numerous partnerships with industry leaders such as Grimmway, Dole, Sol Group, and C.H. Robinson to donate fresh produce and necessities to those in need. In addition to these partnerships, Hy-Vee collaborated with its customers to meet, and exceed, its $1 million goal to help supply local food banks across its eight-state region during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
“We are grateful for everyone who contributed to this campaign,” said Tina Potthoff, Hy-Vee’s Senior Vice President of Communications. “The money raised will help our local food banks secure essentials that individuals and families need most while alleviating hunger in the communities we serve.”
Since the start of the campaign, more than $1,082,000 has been raised to provide supplies to 17 Feeding America-affiliated food banks, according to the press release. Altogether, the 17 food banks distribute supplies to a network of up to 5,500 local food agencies across approximately 515 counties in Hy-Vee’s regional footprint.
Communications platform Retail Zipline also donated an additional $25,000 to the campaign in recognition of its new partnership with Hy-Vee.
Hy-Vee initially launched the campaign with the goal of raising $1 million to help restock food banks’ shelves and to raise awareness about food insecurity resulting from the pandemic. From March 23 to May 31, Hy-Vee customers were encouraged to donate $1 or more at checkout or via Hy-Vee Aisles Online. Hy-Vee then matched donations dollar for dollar, up to $500,000, from its Hy-Vee One Step program, which is funded by proceeds from sales of select Hy-Vee products to assist those in need and help various causes.
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