KCCI Giving Tuesday telethon raises nearly $440,000 for Food Bank of Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa – KCCI-TV’s fifth annual Food Bank of Iowa Hunger-Free Holidays telethon on Giving Tuesday raised $439,829 from 539 supporters to help Iowans facing food insecurity. That translates to 733,048 meals.
The campaign continues and donations will be accepted through Dec. 31 at hungerfreeholidays.org. Thanks to a $100,000 donation from Corteva Agriscience, all gifts will be matched up to that amount until Dec. 31.
Last year, the hunger-fighting campaign raised more than $2.3 million during the month of December.
“Imagine not knowing if you will be able to provide a meal for your children tonight,” said Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book. “Unfortunately, 110,000 Iowa children live in households where that is the stark reality. One in six working Iowa households and 37% of all households in Iowa do not have adequate income to cover necessities. It’s an impossible situation to choose between food and rent, medicine, and gas. I am grateful for the leadership of KCCI and the generosity of their viewers to ensure Iowans can put dinner on the table this holiday season. Thank you for believing in Food Bank of Iowa and our 700-partner network. Your steadfast support makes a difference in the lives of many.”
Book also expressed deep appreciation for the many corporate sponsors who supported the telethon.
“At KCCI, we have been humbled over the past five years by the generosity of our viewers toward Food Bank of Iowa,” said KCCI President and General Manager Brian Sather. “I am proud of my colleagues who, through empathy and leadership, distinguish us as Iowa’s News Leader. I encourage our viewers to continue helping in this crucial mission.”
Corporate sponsors for the 2024 Hunger-Free Holidays campaign include:
F&G – $100,000 Giving Tuesday match
F&G has sponsored all five years of the Hunger-Free Holidays campaign, donating nearly half a million dollars toward the effort.
“One of our giving pillars is basic needs and food insecurity,” said F&G President John Currier. “People can’t achieve their aspirations if their basic needs haven’t been met. So, it’s very much a part of our culture to be giving back to something that helps people ultimately achieve their aspirations.”
Anonymous — $100,000 Giving Tuesday match
A Des Moines-based family foundation matched all donations (up to $100,000) between 5 and 10 p.m. on Giving Tuesday.
Corteva Agriscience – $100,000 match continues through Dec. 31
Corteva has provided a matching gift of $100,000 to Hunger-Free Holidays as part of the company’s long-term commitment and volunteerism. Corteva has supported Hunger-Free Holidays every year.
“We’re committed to making a difference in our communities and are proud to support Food Bank of Iowa and its partner agencies that work hard every day to fight hunger,” said Tim Glenn, Strategic Advisor to the Executive Leadership Team and a member of Food Bank of Iowa’s board of directors. “Food insecurity is a very real issue for far too many of our friends and neighbors here in Iowa and we hope this donation will help the immediate need for food this holiday season.”
Additional corporate sponsors contributed to Hunger-Free Holidays
Food Bank of Iowa also thanks and recognizes the following organizations for their generous contributions during this year’s Hunger-Free Holidays telethon:
Agri-Industrial Plastics
Burnett Family Foundation
LD Construction and Electric
About Food Bank of Iowa
Established in 1982, Food Bank of Iowa provides nutritious food for Iowa children, families, seniors and veterans to lead full and active lives, strengthening their communities. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivers more than 25 million pounds of food (21 million meals) to its 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.
About KCCI
Celebrating nearly 70 years of broadcasting, KCCI 8 News produces more than 35 hours of award-winning local news each week. KCCI, “Iowa’s News Leader,” is proud to provide news, sports, weather and entertainment to the area on KCCI, online at KCCI.com and on mobile devices with numerous digital offerings. KCCI is committed to educating Iowa voters by providing in-depth coverage of Iowa’s first in the nation Presidential Caucus. KCCI also offers TV’s most memorable entertainment on its digital channel, Me-TV Des Moines 8.2 and exciting hits on My Des Moines 8.3. KCCI proudly supports the community by partnering year-round with local nonprofits to give back to the Des Moines-Ames area.
Media contacts:
Annette Hacker, VP strategy and communications, Food Bank of Iowa, 515-867-2885, ahacker@foodbankiowa.org
Nathan White, KCCI creative services director, 502-762-4668, nathanwhite@hearst.com