KCCI’s third-annual Food Bank of Iowa Hunger-Free Holidays telethon on Nov. 29 raised $436,832 to help Iowans facing food insecurity — enough for more than a million meals.

KCCI is Hearst’s CBS affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa.

“KCCI’s viewers have proven their generosity once again,” says Brian Sather, KCCI’s GM.  “One way we define ourselves as Iowa’s News Leader is by serving the community. That’s why we are proud to use our platforms and storytelling to bring people together to help our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Donations from KCCI viewers — who gave online, over the phone and via text messages — could not have come at a more critical time, says Michelle Book, Food Bank of Iowa president.

“For the past several months Food Bank of Iowa and its partners in 55 counties have continued to break records in the number of individuals and households served,” Book noted. “We are challenged to meet the rising need at a time when USDA commodities have dramatically decreased and retail donations have slowed. More of our hardworking neighbors need help now than ever before. We are buying nearly triple the food we did last year at this time to keep the shelves stocked. It costs significantly more, and it costs more to deliver it to our partners.”

Book thanked KCCI for its ongoing partnership in the fight against hunger, as well as corporate sponsors who provided matching gifts for this year’s Hunger Free Holidays campaign, which continues through the end of the year.

“On behalf of our fellow Iowans who will have food on the table this holiday season and beyond, we are grateful for your generous support,” Book said.

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