KCCI telethon raises $376,769 for Food Bank of Iowa’s Hunger-Free Holidays
DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov. 29, 2023) – KCCI-TV’s fourth-annual Food Bank of Iowa Hunger-Free Holidays telethon on Giving Tuesday raised $376,769 to help Iowans facing food insecurity. That translates to 579,645 meals.
Donations will continue to be accepted through Dec. 31 at hungerfreeholidays.org. Thanks to a $100,000 donation from F&G, all gifts will be matched up to that amount until Dec. 31.
“It is dreadful to be uncertain as to your next meal,” said Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book. “It’s an impossible situation to send your kids to bed hungry. It’s unthinkable that seniors must choose heat, medicine or food. Thankfully, with the leadership of KCCI and the generosity of Iowans, there are many who won’t have to struggle this holiday season. Thank you for believing in Food Bank of Iowa, our 700-partner network, and the Iowans we serve together. I am grateful for your steadfast support.”
Book also expressed deep appreciation for the many corporate sponsors who supported the telethon.
“The generosity of KCCI’s viewers was once again on full display,” said KCCI President and General Manager Brian Sather. “Being Iowa’s News Leader means going beyond covering an issue to helping solve it. We’re grateful to our viewers who stepped up to help.”
In addition to F&G, corporate sponsors for the 2023 Hunger-Free Holidays campaign include:
Osmundson Mfg. Co. – $100,000 match
In addition to supporting Food Bank of Iowa’s BackPack Program and school pantries in Perry and Jefferson, Osmundson Mfg. Co. also provided a $100,000 matching gift for this year’s KCCI telethon.
Heather Bruce is president and CEO of Osmundson Mfg. Co. She compassionately described the daily struggle of families facing food insecurity in an interview with KCCI-TV’s Marcus McIntosh: “Do I eat or do my kids eat? Do I have to choose between bills and feeding the family today? If we can help, this is one of my goals,” Bruce said.
Corteva Agriscience – $75,000 match
Corteva provided a matching gift of $75,000 to Hunger-Free Holidays as part of the company’s long-term support and volunteerism, including a contribution of $375,000 to Food Bank of Iowa over the past three years.
“Food insecurity is a real issue for people around the world. Even right here in Iowa, where we’re surrounded by agriculture and food production, 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 8 children faces hunger,” said Tim Glenn, executive vice president of Corteva Agriscience’s Seed Business Unit. He also serves on Food Bank of Iowa’s board of directors. “Every dollar and every volunteer hour can make a difference. That’s why we’re so pleased to once again join forces with Food Bank of Iowa and KCCI. This special ‘Giving Tuesday’ gift builds on our ongoing efforts to support Iowans in need, both through volunteer hours and financial giving.”
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:
Bishop White Insurance
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 21 million pounds of food (more than 17 million meals) to its 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.
About KCCI
Celebrating more than 65 years of broadcasting, KCCI 8 News produces more than 30 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 their 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 communications, Food Bank of Iowa, 515-867-2885, ahacker@foodbankiowa.org
Nathan White, KCCI creative services director, 502-762-4668, nathanwhite@hearst.com