FMH Fights Food Insecurity Through Corporate Giving

  • October 27, 2020

As an Iowa-based company that protects America’s farmers who feed the world, FMH recognizes the importance of supporting members of its local community to join in the fight against food insecurity. FMH strives to fight hunger through its support of organizations like the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food pantry, the Food Bank of Iowa, and Meals from the Heartland.

We are asking our agency and business partners to join our efforts to raise awareness about food insecurity and take action in your community. For those in Iowa, you can find ways to get started at iowastopshunger.com or share your story on social media using the hashtag #IowaStopsHunger. 

We are thrilled to have raised over 130% of the match amount for our challenge and hope that our efforts put a dent in the food insecurity of the local community,” “With the challenges many people have faced this year, we are grateful for the work the Food Bank of Iowa does to support those who are food insecure. - Ron Rutledge - FMH President and CEO

DMARC Food Drive

With the challenge of not being able to host in-person events, FMH held a virtual DMARC Food Drive earlier this year during April. Employees were asked to donate their time or contribute to support the Des Moines area-based non-profit. DMARC focuses on providing nutrient-dense food to area residents like fresh produce, frozen meat, dairy, low-fat, low-sugar, and low-sodium items. FMH employees raised $2,442 for DMARC to help feed individuals and families in need. 

Foodbank of Iowa Fundraising 

In May 2020, FMH pledged to match donations from employees and community members up to $100,000 to raise funds for the Food Bank of Iowa COVID Relief Fund. FMH’s fundraising campaign efforts succeeded in raising an impressive total of $232,020. This generous donation provides over 928,000 meals to Iowans experiencing food insecurity.

Meals from the Heartland Volunteering 

When it comes to volunteer work, FMH provides employees and retirees with a hands-on opportunity to package meals for Meals from the Heartland during its annual on-site packaging event that started in 2018. While the on-site meal-packaging event was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, FMH supported Meals from the Heartland with a corporate donation of $8,000 to purchase the supplies for the more than 30,000 meals FMH employees and retirees would have packaged during the event. To further support the organization after being shut down for several months, FMH asked employees to volunteer their time or donate to show support.

United Way Fundraising

In late September, FMH also began its annual campaign for United Way of Central Iowa. Employees can participate by making a pledge, volunteering their time, or helping with fundraising events like the Virtual Garage Sale or Bundt Cake Sale. All contributions are double matched by FMH to triple the fundraising efforts and support programs that improve the quality of education, health, financial stability, and meet essential needs for people in Central Iowa.