WCCO and Second Harvest presented the 13th Annual “Let’s Kick Hunger” Day Wednesday with the goal to raise money to stock food shelves across Minnesota. WCCO listeners helped raise over $467,523 in the one day fundraising event.
It’s the second year in a row that significantly eclipsed the previous radiothons as listeners across Minnesota stepped up to support the effort, as we face the greatest hunger surge in America since the Great Depression.
WCCO Radio began broadcasting at 6:00a.m. with morning show host Vineeta Sawker and continued until 7:00p.m. with Cory Hepola, Chad Hartman, Jordana Green and Paul Douglas encouraging people to donate and support Second Harvest Heartland.
“I speak for our entire WCCO team to share how proud we are to partner with Second Harvest Heartland in fighting hunger," Audacy Minneapolis Senior VP and Market Manager Jeff Gonsales said. "We are moved by the outpouring of financial support from WCCO's listeners."
More than half a million Minnesotans, including nearly 200,000 Minnesota kids, are facing hunger right now. Second Harvest Heartland supports those in our region facing hunger through partnerships, including a network of 360 food shelves and nearly 1,000 partner programs.
The food shortage impacts metro and Greater Minnesota communities alike, and Second Harvest Heartland food banks stretch to 59 counties throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. With $1 providing up to three meals, the one-day fundraising total will fund over 1.3 million meals statewide.
“It sure can feel like there’s a lot we can’t control right now. But what we can control is how we show up for each other. And this WCCO Radio community sure showed up for our neighbors facing hunger,” explained Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. “Community support is what fuels the hunger relief network, and it’s what makes it easier for our neighbors to accept a helping hand when they need it. Financial support from listeners and from corporate sponsors yesterday will help us provide more than a million meals to our neighbors facing hunger. You’ve given us all hope to continue this work.”
The pandemic has been especially difficult for food shelves. Since the pandemic began, Second Harvest Heartland has distributed more than 200 million pounds of food to our community.
Donations can still be made by clicking here.
The fundraiser was supported by several local companies including Land O’ Lakes, Compeer Financial and Lindus Construction along with supporting the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, Culligan Water, Tumble Fresh Coin Laundry and the Minnesota Corn Growers. The event was also supported with in-kind donations from Dickey's Barbeque, Old Dutch, CenturyLink and Caribou Coffee.