Second Harvest Foodbank: Area supermarkets and credit unions push to end hunger

CONTACT: Kris Tazelaar, Communications Manager, Second Harvest Foodbank, KrisT@shfbmadison.org, 608-216-7206

MADISON, Wis., October 23, 2014 – As winter approaches, thousands of area families will face a very difficult choice – heat their homes or put food on the table. To ease hunger for these families, area supermarkets and credit unions are giving customers a way to end hunger in their local communities.

Check Out Hunger
From October 27 – December 31 Check Out Hunger donations can be made at area Copps Food Center (Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, Monona, Shorewood Hills and Sun Prairie), Hy-Vee (Fitchburg and Madison), Metcalfe’s Market Hilldale – West Towne (Madison), Metro Market (Madison), Pick ‘n Save (Columbus, DeForest, Fort Atkinson, Janesville, McFarland, Monroe, Stoughton), Walmart (southwestern Wisconsin locations), Whole Foods Market Madison, and Woodman’s Food Markets (Beloit, Janesville, Madison and Sun Prairie). For every $1 donated, 3 meals can be provided to someone facing hunger. Dates vary by store; participants should check their local store’s dates.

End Hunger at a Credit Union
From October 27 – December 31 participating Madison Area chapter of Credit Union locations will accept cash or check donations during the sixth annual End Hunger at a Credit Union campaign. Donations can be made in any amount through lobby or drive-up service. Each $1 donated can provide 3 meals. Checks should be made payable to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

Check Out Hunger and End Hunger at a Credit Union proceeds benefit the NBC15 Share Your Holidays to eliminate hunger campaign which raises meals for Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, a nonprofit organization that serves families and individuals facing hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties. In 2014, NBC15 Share Your Holidays aims to raise 2.7 million meals.

About NBC15 Share Your Holidays to eliminate hunger
In its 19th year, the NBC15 Share Your Holidays to eliminate hunger campaign is the largest food/fund drive to help families and individuals facing hunger in southwestern Wisconsin, raising 26.33 million meals to date. In 2014, the campaign’s goal is to raise 2.7 million meals. The event is supported by many community partners: NBC15, Alliant Energy Foundation, Alliant Energy Center, American Family Insurance, Associated Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Chase, Dean Health Plan, First Business, First Weber Group Foundation, Inc., Food Fight Restaurant Group, Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, Hy-Vee, iHeartMedia, John Deere Financial, Joseph Henricks Photography, Landmark Services Cooperative, M3 Insurance, Madison Area Chapter of Credit Unions, Metcalfe’s Market, Oscar Mayer / Kraft Foods, pc/nametag, Inc., Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc., Summit Credit Union, SVA Certified Public Accountants, TDS Telecommunications Corporation, Thrivent Financial – Central, East Dane & Columbia Chapters, Two Men and a Truck, UW Health & Unity Health Insurance, Valpak of Madison, Walmart – Southwestern Wisconsin Markets, Wells Fargo, Whole Foods Market Madison and Woodman’s Food Markets. For more information on NBC15 Share Your Holidays, visit SecondHarvestMadison.org/SYH.

About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief organization, is a non-profit organization that is committed to ending hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties through community partnerships. By focusing on a multipronged approach that includes food distribution, increasing participation in public and private food programs, and mobilizing the public, it serves nearly 141,000 people who struggle with hunger each year; 43% of whom are children. From July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 Second Harvest Foodbank, together with its more than 225 partner agencies and programs, provided 12.6 million meals to those facing hunger. It is one of 200 members of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. For more information, visit SecondHarvestMadison.org.