When the calendar turns to January, donations to local food banks drop dramatically — a 36 percent decrease on average in Idaho alone.
In 2008, the Dump Hunger campaign planned to fill one dump truck with 75,000 lbs. of food and support local food banks when donations are needed most.
Five years and nearly two million lbs. of food later, the 2013 Dump Hunger campaign launched with its loftiest goal yet. Western States CAT, Albertsons and Wells Fargo plan to fill five dump trucks and raise 375,000 lbs. for community food banks across the Intermountain West.
“Hunger is just as prevalent today, if not greater, as it was when we launched Dump Hunger five years ago to support the communities we call home,” said Western States President Tom Harris. “This daily struggle for many families doesn’t change after the holidays. Due to the tremendous support of our customers, employees and the great partners of Albertsons and Wells Fargo we’re excited to fill those trucks and give back to the communities we serve throughout the Intermountain West.”
Dump Hunger kicked off in early January and runs to Feb. 8 throughout Idaho, western Wyoming and Montana, and eastern Oregon and Washington. The goal of the 2013 campaign is to fill five Cat 730 dump trucks, the industry’s largest payload vehicle in its class, which are individually capable of holding 75,000 lbs. of food.
Food donations to the campaign can be made at any Western States CAT location, participating Albertsons stores or Wells Fargo locations. Western States CAT and Wells Fargo locations also accept monetary contributions for the campaign. Donations made to Dump Hunger stay in the local communities, supporting food banks at the most critical time of year. Participating food banks with online donation capabilities also are listed at www.westernstatescat.com/dumphunger.
“We take pride in giving back to the communities we serve, especially when it involves fighting hunger,” said Mike Clawson, president of Albertsons Intermountain West. “Dump Hunger has made a tremendous impact in our neighborhoods when food banks need our help the most. We look forward to seeing the passion and commitment of our team members, guests and partners in action as we kick off another successful campaign.”
“Our team members are passionate about fighting hunger in our communities year round,” said Don Melendez, Idaho Regional president of Wells Fargo. “We take great pride in being a partner in the Dump Hunger Campaign and helping food banks around the region start the year with plenty of food in their pantries.”
In addition to customer food donations, Albertsons will contribute $10,000 in food items and Wells Fargo will donate $25,000 cash to the participating food bank partners involved with Dump Hunger.
“We continue to see an increase in demand for our services, and the Dump Hunger campaign is critical to our post-holiday efforts to meet this demand,” said Karen Vauk, president and CEO of The Idaho Foodbank. “Hunger is a problem that impacts families and seniors in every neighborhood and region, often regardless of employment status. The Idaho Foodbank and our network of partners serve those who need help during challenging financial times until they are able to move forward. Dump Hunger enables us to better serve those in need after the holidays.”
While the need for food continues to grow, food banks are experiencing a dramatic shift in donation sources and types of food received. Manufacturing overruns, excess inventory and canned food drives have been a substantial source of food in years past, however more efficient manufacturing procedures have decreased the number of shelf-stable donations provided by campaigns such as Dump Hunger. While perishable food sources help fill some of the need, those served by food banks continue to ask for shelf-stable foods that they can store and use over time to feed their families.
Ways to Donate
Those interested in donating food to Dump Hunger can do so at any Western States location or participating Albertsons stores and Wells Fargo branches in Idaho, western Wyoming and Montana, and eastern Oregon and Washington. Monetary donations can be made at participating Wells Fargo locations or online through some participating food banks. More details are available at www.westernstatescat.com/dumphunger.
For more information on Albertsons, visit www.albertsons.com.
For more information on Western States CAT, visit www.westernstatescat.com.
For more information on Wells Fargo, visit www.wellsfargo.com.
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