The Meals on Wheels program in Austin was established in 1973 and delivers more than 80 daily nutritious meals to the homebound elderly, ill and disabled throughout the community for a minimal suggested cost. The meals are delivered by a group of dedicated volunteers who not only deliver meals but also bring a smile, a safety check and a chance for each recipient to live an independent life.
The Salvation Army has served Austin for more than 100 years and administers multiple hunger-relief initiatives. These include a food shelf currently serving more than 300 families each month, a backpack program for about 80 children each week and community meals five nights a week for more than 70 individuals.
“Meals on Wheels and The Salvation Army are respected organizations with a long history of helping feed those in need in our community,” said Timothy J. Fritz, production manager, Hormel Foods Austin Plant. “Hunger needs have increased in our community, and the need for strong support of these programs becomes increasingly apparent. Our employees take great pride in supporting the community of Austin, and we hope our donations will help these organizations continue their great work to help end hunger.”
This $10,000 donation is part of the commitment at Hormel Foods to nourish the hungry in the United States one community at a time. The company is giving funds to 16 U.S. manufacturing facilities to share with nonprofits in their respective communities to fight hunger.
Hormel Foods is also a part of Hunger-Free Minnesota, a statewide coalition of community and corporate organizations focused on ensuring that no Minnesotan will go without food in their time of need, and to get food resources to the people that need it most. On Sept. 13, 2011, Hormel Foods announced a donation of $130,000 to this effort.
“Hormel Foods is committed to combating the persistence of hunger in the United States,” said Julie H. Craven, vice president of corporate communications at Hormel Foods. “Each community has its own challenges, which is why we believe our plants can work with organizations on a grassroots level to help meet the residents’ needs and end hunger.”
In addition to its hunger relief efforts in these communities, Hormel Foods is committed to helping those in need throughout the world. Through its “On Our Way to Ending Hunger” program, Hormel Foods collaborates with retailers, nonprofits and the government on hunger relief efforts; nourishes the hungry in the United States and abroad; and motivates individuals and corporate partners to take action to fight hunger.
