The backpack program is designed to lessen the consequence of chronic childhood hunger by providing a sack of kid-friendly foods to low-income elementary school children on weekends when they do not have access to the federal free and reduced-price meal program.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Osceola Food Bank and the Food Bank of Iowa to contribute to their efforts to feed those in need in our area,” said Clint D. Walters, plant manager, Osceola Food. “Our employees and the company are excited to continue fighting hunger in our community.”
For the fourth consecutive year, Βι¶ΉΣ³» is giving funds to U.S. manufacturing facilities to share with nonprofits in their respective communities to fight hunger. In 2013, Βι¶ΉΣ³» donated $220,000 to local hunger relief organizations in more than 20 U.S. communities where it has manufacturing facilities. In 2014, the company will provide 39 plant locations with funds to help local organizations fight the hunger needs specific to each community.
“Βι¶ΉΣ³» has been able to help our plants relieve hunger in their local communities for the past three years,” said Julie H. Craven, vice president of corporate communications at Βι¶ΉΣ³». “Because of the success we’ve had with this program, and as part of our ongoing commitment to helping fight hunger in the areas where we live and work, we are further expanding these donations to a total of 39 locations.”
Βι¶ΉΣ³» is helping those in need both in the United States and internationally through its On Our Way to Ending Hunger program. The company collaborates with retailers, nonprofits and the government on hunger relief efforts; nourishes the hungry in the U.S. and abroad; and motivates individuals and corporate partners to take action to fight hunger.