Hunger Free Holidays digital board 2023 v.2

DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov. 21, 2023) – KCCI is again partnering with Food Bank of Iowa to help Iowans facing food insecurity through its month-long Hunger-Free Holidays fundraiser with a daylong telethon on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Need for food assistance in Iowa has never been greater
Last month, Food Bank of Iowa partner pantries served more than 191,000 individuals in 55 counties, an all-time high and continuing the record-breaking numbers that have persisted the past 19 months. Thousands more sought help through meal sites supported by Food Bank of Iowa, with more than 140,000 meals served.

350,000 Iowans live in poverty
The situation in Iowa parallels a new USDA report which found millions more nationwide didn’t have enough to eat in 2022, the largest one-year increase in 14 years. 

KCCI will use the full complement of its market-leading broadcast and digital properties to raise awareness
The campaign will consist of on-air and digital public service announcements, newscast coverage, articles on KCCI.com and social media posts. Viewers can donate online or over the phone.

A $40 donation to Food Bank of Iowa can provide a family of three with a week of food.

“Far too many of our neighbors don’t know where their next meal will come from. For the past three years, we have been touched by the generosity of our viewers toward Food Bank of Iowa. KCCI is proud to use our platforms to help meet this tremendous need. An important part of our mission as Iowa’s News Leader is to bring the community together,” said KCCI President and General Manager Brian Sather.

“Food insecurity is a harsh reality at any time of year, but it is even more difficult during the holidays,” said Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book. “When families gather around the table, Food Bank of Iowa and our partners are here to ensure all our neighbors have the nutritious food they need to thrive. We are grateful for KCCI’s continued partnership and the support of generous viewers who share our mission of alleviating hunger.”

This is the fourth year for KCCI’s Hunger-Free Holidays fundraiser. In 2022, KCCI raised more than $436,000 on Giving Tuesday for Food Bank of Iowa, and those donations provided 1.3 million meals for Iowans facing food insecurity. The Hunger-Free Holidays campaign raised nearly $2.2 million throughout December.

Media contacts:

Nathan White, KCCI creative services director, 502-762-4668, nathanwhite@hearst.com
Annette Hacker, VP communications, Food Bank of Iowa, 515-867-2885, ahacker@foodbankiowa.org