FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jessica Sund
Director of development and communications
507-424-1729
[email protected]
December 1, 2023
ROCHESTER, Minnesota—An anonymous donor is matching every gift given to Channel One Regional Food Bank up to $50,000 through December 31.
With some federal benefits ending and average grocery price inflation rising as much as 11%, it is getting harder for some neighbors to put food on the table. In the USDA’s 2022 annual food security report, the data shows one in seven people, including one in five children, in the U.S. live in food insecure households. This is an increase of more than 30% and 40% respectively from the previous year, is the highest rate and number since 2014, and is the largest one-year increase since 2008.
“Not only does this donation itself go a long way toward preventing people from going hungry but the matching gift will broaden the impact, inspiring generosity in others, and helping Channel One raise much needed funds this holiday season!” said Virginia Witherspoon Merritt, Channel One Regional Food Bank executive director.
Matched gifts from the anonymous donor will provide twice the support to Channel One Regional Food Bank, which serves more than 160 agencies and food programs in 14 counties. Thanks to this match, Channel One will be able to help people in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin get the food they need.
Make a gift to Channel One by December 31 online or send a check to Channel One Regional Food Bank, 131 35th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
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About Channel One Regional Food Bank
Channel One Regional Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, strengthens food access and builds healthy communities. Channel One operates food programs to serve local and area needs such as: a food bank, a food shelf, mobile pantries, Childhood Hunger Programs, Kitchen Coalition and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Channel One Regional Food Bank mobilizes organizations, volunteers, and donors to serve the network of over 160 nonprofit programs that provide food for children, adults, and families in need. Channel One serves 14 counties across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For more information, call 507.287.2350 or visit helpingfeedpeople.org.
