Co-Alliance Raises $46,440 for Local Food Security
Co-Alliance Cooperative has concluded a 12-day internal employee food security drive that has raised $15,480! That commitment from our farmer-owned cooperative is now being tripled, as Co-Alliance is matching every dollar donated by our employees and Land O’Lakes will match what Co-Alliance commits.
Planting The Seeds For Food Security was developed to invite employees to play a key part in ending hunger in local rural communities. What may seem like an insignificant amount out of their bi-weekly pay adds up tremendously to serve rural communities. The total money raised to be given back to rural communities through food security donations and the match program is officially $46,440!
Employees were given the opportunity to give anywhere from $5 - $100 out of a single paycheck during 12 days in May through Planting The Seeds For Food Security. More than 300 employees participated in the efforts.
“We play a large role in producing the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. There is no reason why people in our rural communities should go hungry,” said Kevin Still, President & CEO of Co-Alliance Cooperative. “The cooperative employs some of the hardest working, most giving people I’ve ever known. They far exceeded our expectations of giving in less than two weeks with Planting The Seeds For Food Security.”
Employees were also given the opportunity to elect specifically where those funds are distributed. They could choose churches, community or regional food banks that serve families in their hometowns. It is through this very personal feedback that Co-Alliance will now direct those dollars throughout the spring and summer.
“The Planting The Seeds For Food Security program is a great example of our team once again stepping up in a big way to support the rural communities in which we live and serve. Then to have Co-Alliance and Land O’Lakes match those dollars makes it even more meaningful in addressing hunger which is one of our key pillars in giving back to our communities,” said Phil Brewer, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Co-Alliance. “It is great to be part of the dedicated team at Co-Alliance.”
Jeanna Overbey, center, is one of several employees who have designated
where they want these raised dollars to go so they impact local areas of need.
The need for food security has never been greater. One food bank Co-Alliance partners with revealed that their foot traffic more than doubled with the onset of the pandemic. This number has not decreased since the end of the pandemic. Need has only become greater and for extended periods of time. No longer are the holidays the time to drive for food donations. Virtual learning taught us that there is a growing number of school-aged children who only eat when they’re in school.
“After volunteering at a local food pantry for a few months I have come to realize that food insecurity is a growing problem in our community. I am proud to work for a company that strives to give back directly to the local communities in respect to this critical need,” remarked Jeanna Overbey, Safety Administrative Assistant.
We will be hand delivering many of the donations that will serve the rural areas of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan and invite our employees to play a key role in delivery throughout the spring and summer.
In even better news: We're Just Getting Started!
We invite you to follow our efforts as these dollars are distributed throughout our trade territory.