“These funds could not come at a better time,” says Jada Hoerr, Midwest Food Bank’s Development Director. “We are heavily involved in Disaster Relief efforts as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.”

“At GROWMARK, our noble purpose is to feed and fuel the world, and that responsibility is so critical during these uncertain times,” added Amy Bradford, GROWMARK corporate communications manager. “The Midwest Food Bank’s effort will help so many families going through challenges in the weeks ahead.”

As a first responder for The Salvation Army, Midwest Food Bank can have a semi-load of family food boxes on the road within 24 hours of a call. Family food boxes contain enough shelf-stable food to feed a family of 4 for 4-5 days. They are assembled, filled and delivered entirely by volunteers. Each semi-load holds about 1,000 boxes.

An additional donation was given by Precision Planting of Tremont, Illinois. This grant is to support Midwest Food Bank’s Tender Mercies prepackaged meal program. Tender Mercies consists of rice, beans, textured soy protein and chicken-flavored seasoning. The meals are packaged at Midwest Food Bank and cost about 15¢ per serving. Tender Mercies is a nutritious and cost-effective part of the relief effort.

Midwest Food Bank has 10 locations in the United States, Africa and Haiti. Their mission is to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and providing disaster relief at no cost to the recipients.

About The GROWMARK Foundation:

The GROWMARK Foundation was formally incorporated in 2005 and supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organizations. The Foundation is focused on programs and activities which support: the vitality of the industry of agriculture; agriculture education and consumer understanding of agriculture's contributions to society and the economy; agricultural leadership development; and education about the benefits of the cooperative way of doing business. The GROWMARK System has been involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts, including youth and young leader education and development and scholarships, for decades.