When the calendar turns to January, donations to local food banks drop dramatically – a 36% decrease on average in Idaho alone. In 2008, the Dump Hunger campaign planned to fill one dump truck with 75,000 pounds of food and support local food banks when donations are needed most. Five years and nearly 2 million pounds of food later, the 2013 Dump Hunger campaign launches on January 7 with its loftiest goal yet. Western States CAT, Albertsons and Wells Fargo plan to fill five dump trucks and raise 375,000 pounds for community food banks across the Intermountain West.
"Hunger is just as prevalent today, if not greater, as it was when we launched Dump Hunger five years ago to support the communities we call home,” said Western States President Tom Harris. “This daily struggle for many families doesn’t change after the holidays. Thanks to the tremendous support of our customers, employees and the great partners of Albertsons and Wells Fargo we’re excited to fill those trucks and give back to the communities we serve throughout the Intermountain West.”
Dump Hunger kicks off January 7 and runs through February 8, 2013 throughout Idaho, western Wyoming and Montana, and eastern Oregon and Washington. The goal of the 2013 campaign is to fill five CAT 730 dump trucks, the industry’s largest payload vehicle in its class, which are individually capable of holding 75,000 pounds of food. Food donations to the campaign can be made at any Western States CAT location, participating Albertsons stores or Wells Fargo locations. Western States CAT and Wells Fargo locations also accept monetary contributions for the campaign.
Donations made to Dump Hunger stay in the local communities, supporting food banks at the most critical time of year. Participating food banks with online donation capabilities are also listed at www.westernstatescat.com/dumphunger.
“We take pride in giving back to the communities we serve, especially when it involves fighting hunger,” said Mike Clawson, president of ALBERTSONS Intermountain West. “Dump Hunger has made a tremendous impact in our neighborhoods when food banks need our help the most. We look forward to seeing the passion and commitment of our team members, guests and partners in action as we kick off another successful campaign.”
