Food Finders Food Bank is launching its 10th annual Drive Away Hunger Fall Food Drive from October 16 through December 4. Drive Away Hunger represents a community-wide effort to raise 600,000 meals during a seven-week campaign. Food Finders is calling on the community to unite in helping to stock the food bank’s supply to ensure that our neighbors facing hunger have enough resources to care for their families this winter.
“The holiday season this year will look different for all of us, but especially for families struggling to make ends meet due to the pandemic,” said Katy Bunder, President/CEO at Food Finders. “This is our tenth year for this community food drive, and it is more important than ever that we come together and care for one another. We encourage our neighbors to take action against hunger. Anyone can organize a food or funds drive at school, work or your place of worship. Everyone can do something to fight hunger!”
In 2019, the Drive Away Hunger food drive raised more than 550,000 meals food for people in need. This year, the goal is to collect the equivalent of 600,000 meals to keep the food bank stocked throughout the winter months.
Several area businesses are sponsoring the 2020 food drive to allow Food Finders to increase hunger awareness in our community. Food Finders would like to thank its Presenting sponsors, Duke Energy and Indiana Packers Corporation, the makers of Indiana Kitchen Premium Pork Products; Key sponsor, Cargill; Community partner, Neuhoff Media Lafayette; Engine sponsors: Valeo, Adecco, Tempest Homes, Kettelhut, Evonik, Caterpillar, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, and WLFI News Channel 18; and Green Light sponsors: CityBus, Industrial Federal Credit Union, Centier Bank, Packaging Systems, Ball Eggleston PC and Spero Energy for taking action to end hunger.
“Duke Energy is a proud supporter of Food Finders and the work they do to support so people in the many counties they serve,” said Dan Rhodes of Duke Energy. “Drive Away Hunger is a critical effort, and we want to be on the front lines in support. We hope many others will join in helping how they can.”
Thanks to Indiana Packers: Makers of Indiana Kitchen Premium Pork Products for being a presenting sponsor for Drive Away Hunger for three years.
According to recent statistics from Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” study, more than 76,000 residents in Food Finders’ service area are food insecure, more than 22,000 of which are children under the age of 18. COVID-19 is greatly impacting food insecurity. Feeding America has projected a 5% increase in food insecurity rates in Food Finders’ service area. It is crucial that food pantries and their supporting food banks, like Food Finders, keep their food shelves full for people who face hunger.
Mark your calendar for these safe community events planned with COVID-19 in mind to help raise awareness this fall:
Now through November 20 – Back Pack Build Up Campaign
Neuhoff Media Lafayette and Tate & Lyle are raising funds to help local students who are struggling with hunger. Funds raised will go to the Food Finders Food Bank’s BackPack Program. Tate & Lyle will match up to $3,000 in donations!
November 25 –11th Annual Feed the Need Day
Neuhoff Media will host its annual food drive to raise food and funds for Food Finders Food Bank.
December 1– Giving Tuesday
Duke Energy and Indiana Packers Corporation, the makers of Indiana Kitchen Premium Pork Products, will offer a dollar for dollar match, up to the first $20,000 raised. Double your donation with Duke Energy and Indiana Packers Corporation.
Food donation drop-off location:
o Food Finders Warehouse at 1210 N. 10th Street, Lafayette
For complete event details and to find out how you can make a difference, go towww.food-finders.org/DriveAwayHunger. Food Finders encourages the community to join the effort this year to raise 600,000 meals, together we can Drive Away Hunger.