Hy-Vee exceeds $1M goal to support local food banks

Hy-Vee has exceeded a $1 million fundraising campaign goal in collaboration with its customers to help supply local food banks across its eight-state region during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Since the start of the campaign, more than $1,082,000 has been raised to provide supplies to 17 Feeding America-affiliated food banks. 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.

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. Communications platform Retail Zipline also donated an additional $25,000 to the campaign in recognition of its new partnership with Hy-Vee.

The retailer 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.

“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.”