Hy-Vee partners with Meals from the Heartland to package 300K meals for Ukraine

Hy-Vee is eager to help Ukrainian people impacted by Russia’s invasion by hosting an event called ”Unite for Ukraine” on April 26 to support Iowa’s effort to aid Ukraine by providing meals for those located in war-torn areas.

Hy-Vee is donating $50,000 from the company’s One Step charitable program to fund the public event, which will take place at its Ron Pearson Center, located at 5820 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa.

“When the opportunity presented itself to open our doors to a public packaging event to help those in Ukraine, we knew this was something we had to do,” said Randy Edeker, chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee. “For years, we have helped combat food insecurity both here at home as well as across the world. We know countless people are in need of food right now, and as the state’s largest grocer, it’s our duty to answer the call for help.”

[Read more: Retailers, pharmacies among entities providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine]

“Iowans are eager to help the Ukranian people whose lives have been devastated by a senseless war, and Hy-Vee's generous donation to Meals from the Heartland is an opportunity to make a difference for those in desperate need,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “My team continues to work closely with government officials in our sister state Cherkasy, the Ukrainian Consulate in Chicago and other organizations to provide aid. Food supplies are needed most, and the 300,000 meals packaged at this event will have a tremendous impact.”

Hy-Vee has had a partnership with Meals from the Heartland since 2011 and has provided funding for more than 13.5 million meals to those in need.

“Food insecurity is ongoing, especially in times of war and unrest, and we are committed to feeding those in need,” said Greg DeHaai, Meals from the Heartland executive director. “Meals from the Heartland is honored to partner with Gov. Reynolds and Hy-Vee to offer our caring community a way to give back and help feed hungry Ukrainians during these desperate times. We ask the public to consider volunteering for a packaging shift or making a donation to purchase the ingredients needed to package future meals.”

[Read more: Hy-Vee, Pinky Swear Foundation raise more than 219K for children with cancer]

To register for a 90-minute packaging shift, visit here. Spots to help package food are expected to fill up quickly.

This $50,000 donation from Hy-Vee is in addition to its current “Food Bank Fridays” initiative, which raises funds to help supply local food banks in Iowa and across the Midwest. Customers are invited to go in store or visit Hy-VeeAislesOnline.com to make a $1 or $5 donation to go toward their local Feeding America-affiliated food bank to help those battling food insecurity closer to home.