MILWAUKEE, WI - How would you handle 40,000 pounds of potatoes? One way would be to take a page out of RPE’s book and donate them to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s food bank.
“Our company prides itself on a strong commitment to giving back to our community. It’s rewarding to know our potatoes will help those facing hunger across the state,” says RPE’s Marketing Manager, Melissa Sylte.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the state’s largest food bank and a member of the Feeding America® nationwide network of food banks. Distributing more than 22 million pounds of food each year, its two distribution centers help alleviate food insecurity by providing meals to the eastern half of Wisconsin.
According to a press release, the 40,000 pound donation is based on consumer participation in RPE’s Lock Out Hunger promotion. As part of the exclusive promotion provided by RPE’s Old Oak Farms brand, the company donated 10 pounds of potatoes for every code that was entered online from specially-marked Kwik Lok tags.
“Our Lock Out Hunger promotion was very successful, and we’re already considering additional opportunities through Growing Forward™ to engage our consumers in the fight against hunger,” noted Sylte.
RPE’s donation was made on behalf of the Growing Forward™ with Feeding America® campaign. The Growing Forward™ with Feeding America® campaign was developed specifically for companies in the produce industry that wished to distribute more fresh fruits and vegetables to Feeding America member food banks across the United States. It provides a unique opportunity for brands to highlight local efforts while aligning with the national organization, Feeding America. Through customized or joint promotions, fresh produce companies can use this campaign to reach out to both retailers and consumers, all while helping feed families in need.
“RPE is a family-owned Wisconsin farm that shares our values of providing healthy and nutritious food to families,” said Charles McLimans, President and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. “
McLimans continued that his company is only able to provide locally grown, healthy foods to thousands of people each day through community partnerships like this one with RPE.
