Hillyard Receives Soup Division Award for Contributions in Second Harvest’s ‘Food Fight’ 2024

Hillyard is proud to announce its recent achievement in the fight against hunger. Throughout September, Hillyard participated in Second Harvest Community Food Bank’s annual ‘Food Fight,’ a friendly competition among local businesses to raise the most food and funds in support of the community. This year, Hillyard's contributions earned us the prestigious Soup Division award, recognizing our outstanding efforts in the fight against hunger.

Raising Hope and Meals

During the month-long campaign, Hillyard employees came together to collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations, all of which went toward providing meals for those in need. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of our team and the support of the community, we were able to help raise enough to provide 45,000 meals for children, families, and senior adults in the region. The collective effort resulted in an impressive 15,000 lbs. of food and $14,000 in donations, translating to a total of 35,753 meals.

A Community Effort to Combat Hunger

The ‘Food Fight’ campaign runs every September, aligning with Hunger Action Month, a national initiative aimed at raising awareness and resources to address food insecurity. Second Harvest’s Corporate Food Fight serves as the organization’s flagship food and fund drive, encouraging local businesses to join forces in a friendly rivalry to see who can make the biggest impact. This year, Hillyard joined businesses of similar size in the competition, where the goal was not just to win but to help nourish the community.

“Hillyard has always been deeply rooted in the well-being of our community,” said Robb Ensign, Hillyard’s Chief Program Officer. “By joining forces with Second Harvest and other local organizations, we are not just participating in a competition; we are taking a stand against hunger. Our goal is simple: to bring hope and nourishment to our community's kids, families, and senior adults.”

Supporting Second Harvest’s Mission

Second Harvest Community Food Bank serves as a vital resource for families in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, providing essential food assistance through a network of agency partners and direct service programs. Last year alone, the organization distributed over 9.9 million pounds of food across an 18-county region. Their purchasing power enables them to provide three meals for every dollar donated, making financial contributions especially impactful.

At Hillyard, we recognize the importance of supporting such initiatives, not only during Hunger Action Month but year-round. As a company that has been deeply rooted in St. Joseph, Missouri since its founding in 1907, we are committed to the well-being of our neighbors and the communities we serve.

Thank You to Our Employees and Community

We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without the commitment of our incredible employees, who gave generously to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. We also extend our gratitude to Second Harvest Community Food Bank for their ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity in the region. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Hillyard looks forward to continuing its partnership with Second Harvest and finding more ways to give back to the community. Together, we can build a future where no one must worry about where their next meal is coming from.