KCCI helped raise more than $560,000 for the Food Bank of Iowa on Wednesday, Apr., 15. The KCCI Project CommUNITY Half-Million-Meals Challenge exceeded all expectations. Donations soared past the original goal of a half-million meals. Because of the generosity of central Iowans, the Food Bank of Iowa now has enough for more than two million meals.

During these unprecedented times, Food Bank of Iowa has been notably affected. Forty-eight percent of food acquired by Food Bank of Iowa comes from donations. The economic hardships Central Iowans are facing due to COVID-19 are creating challenges with the supply on top of the increasing demand. Partner agencies have been ordering more than double the amount of food compared to distribution numbers prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

“Having grown up in rural Iowa, I am familiar with the practice of one neighbor helping another so I am not surprised by the generosity of Iowans and their desire to help their neighbors in need,” said Michelle Book, president and CEO, Food Bank of Iowa. “I am surprised by the magnitude of this response and overjoyed by KCCI’s willingness to tell the story on behalf of food insecure Iowans. I send a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who donated. You have made a difference in the life of another Iowan.”

Wednesday, KCCI lent its voice to this important effort through stories about the need in various newscasts and digital platforms, promotion, anchor engagement and a custom message from Dr. Mehmet Oz. Donations exceeded the original goal by 1 P.M. and continued to climb throughout the evening. Several generous donors stepped in with matching donations which drove the total up even further.

“I’m proud of the great work of KCCI’s journalists who have used their collective voices to cover this unprecedented health and financial crisis,” said KCCI President and General Manager, Brian Sather. “Today we used our voice to support the important work of Food Bank of Iowa in their mission to feed those most impacted by the crisis”

People can still donate at give.foodbankiowa.org/ge/kcci, by texting COVID19 to 515-303-4002, or mailing a check to P.O. Box 1517, Des Moines, IA 50305.

About KCCI:

Celebrating more than 60 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 non-profits to give back to the Des Moines-Ames area.

About Hearst Television:

Hearst Television owns and operates television and radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more.  The radio stations are leaders in Baltimore news/talk and rock music listenership.  Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry’s premier companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.  Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst.