Keith Thompson, Community Markets store director, left, presents a check to Andy Irick, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Champaign, Clark and Logan Counties. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Community Markets via parent company Fresh Encounter Inc. and their customers recently donated $50,000 to local food banks on World Food Day, Oct. 16, following a back-to-school food drive.
Customer donations combined with a donation from Fresh Encounter will be distributed among eight local food banks, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Champaign, Clark and Logan Counties.
“Second Harvest Food Bank extends heartfelt gratitude to Community Markets for their recent donation. With their generous gift, they have not only provided sustenance to our neighbors but also hope to countless families in our community,” said Andy Irick, Second Harvest Food Bank executive director.
“This contribution reinforces our mission to fight hunger and underscores the vital role that community partners like Community Markets play in creating a stronger, more resilient future for all.”
In August, Community Markets launched a back-to-school fundraising campaign called “Nourish Our Students” to demonstrate their commitment to addressing food insecurities. This food drive represents one of the two food drives contributing to the 2023 charitable initiative recognized as “Nourish our Families.”
“On this World Food Day, we are remembering our purpose that goes beyond the plate,” said Julie Anderson, VP of marketing and co-owner of Fresh Encounter Inc.
“It is about our commitment to delight our customers with nourishing meals, to nourish our communities through shared abundance, and to inspire pride in our teams who work hard to make a difference in our communities. Together, we are not only filling stomachs, but we are also filling hearts and futures.”
