CVA donates 40,000 meals to Food Bank for the Heartland as part of its 'Our Planet is Hungry' campaign

Contributions help Food Bank for the Heartland Fight Community Hunger

Central Valley Ag (CVA) cooperative donates $10,000 to the Food Bank for the Heartland, which is equivalent to 40,000 meals going to those in need. The gift is part of the cooperative’s campaign “Our Planet is Hungry,” an initiative launched last fall to promote the unique value of the cooperative’s four divisions – grain, agronomy, energy and feed - as CVA works alongside farmers to feed a hungry globe.

“Central Valley Ag’s commitment to feeding our hungry planet starts at home, in our communities,” said Carl Dickinson, President/CEO at CVA. “We want to do our part in making food available to every child and every family whether it be helping to pack meals or through the Food Bank for the Heartland's backpack program.

Through CVA’s partnership with the Nebraska Huskers, CVA sponsored a 3-pointer initiative throughout the men’s and women’s 2022-2023 basketball season where every Husker basket made beyond the arc, CVA pledged a donation to the Food Bank for the Heartland.

“It is our privilege to partner with Food Bank for the Heartland and we’re excited that every 3-pointer made by our Huskers is a game-changer in our fight against food scarcity,” said Dickinson.

Through 65 games, the women’s team hit 271 three-pointers and the men’s team had 214, for a total of 485 made beyond the arc. With this added level of fun per game, CVA is thrilled to share this donation with the Food Bank for the Heartland so that they can continue their work in eliminating hunger in the Heartland by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods through community partnerships.

“Food Bank for the Heartland is tremendously grateful to Central Valley Ag for their generous gift of $10,000, which will provide up to 40,000 nourishing meals to our neighbors facing hunger. This support comes at a critical time. With rising costs of food and everyday essentials, 1 in 10 individuals across Nebraska and western Iowa—including 1 in 7 children—is experiencing food insecurity. CVA has also been incredible ambassadors of our mission, raising funds and increasing awareness of our programs through their ‘3-Point Tally’ sponsorship with Husker Basketball,” said Joanne Kamppinen, Director of Development at Food Bank for the Heartland.

In addition, CVA employees will be volunteering at Food Bank for the Heartland to help in the preparation needed to transport and distribute food to pantry partners.

Our planet is hungry. Together, we feed it.

PHOTO CAPTION: Central Valley Ag (CVA) cooperative donates $10,000 to the Food Bank for the Heartland, which is equivalent to 40,000 meals going to those in need. Pictured are: Matt Coatney, voice of Husker Women's Basketball; Brian Barks, Food Bank for the Heartland CEO; Owen Baker, Central Valley Ag SVP Marketing; and Kent Pavelka, voice of Husker Men's Basketball.