The Shine the Light on Hunger campaign had another successful holiday season thanks to the generosity of metro residents.
It was announced Friday that the campaign surpassed its goal of raising 1.5 million meals, with the final number of meals coming in at 2,176,025.
“This year’s campaign was a tremendous success, with over 2 million meals generated for Food Bank for the Heartland which serves nearly 600 nonprofit partners in Nebraska and western Iowa including pantries, schools, emergency shelters, and meal providers,” said Rick Hansen, vice president of Human Resources for Conagra Brands. “Shine the Light on Hunger highlights the incredible impact our generous community leaders, businesses, and neighbors have when we are united by a common goal. I am very proud of what we have achieved in this community, as the amount of meals raised provides enough resources for the Food Bank to stock the pantries it serves for over one month.”
The Capitol District Ice Rink, presented by Clearway Energy Omaha, also lent a helping hand during the 7-week campaign. Approximately 12,000 skaters took to the ice with a portion of the admission fees going to Food Bank for the Heartland. Conagra Brands Foundation matched all skate rental donations and additional funds up to $100,000. Baker’s also made a matching gift of $50,000 to the Food Bank.
“Thousands of children, families, seniors and veterans in Nebraska and western Iowa struggle daily with food insecurity,” said Brian Barks, president and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland. “For 12 years, Shine the Light on Hunger has raised awareness of this critical issue while also generating meals for those in need. Thank you to the Conagra Brands Foundation and Baker’s Supermarkets for championing this initiative and to the community for its extraordinary support.”