Hy-Vee will host “Unite for Ukraine” next Tuesday, April 26, to support Iowa’s effort to aid Ukraine by providing meals for those located in war-torn areas. Hy-Vee is donating $50,000 from the company’s One Step charitable program to fund the public event, which will be held at its Ron Pearson Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.
“When the opportunity presented itself to open our doors to a public packaging event to help those in Ukraine, we knew this was something we had to do,” said Randy Edeker, chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee, in a statement. “For years, we have helped combat food insecurity both here at home as well as across the world. We know countless people are in need of food right now, and as the state’s largest grocer, it’s our duty to answer the call for help.”
“Iowans are eager to help the Ukranian people whose lives have been devastated by a senseless war, and Hy-Vee's generous donation to Meals from the Heartland is an opportunity to make a difference for those in desperate need,” said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. “My team continues to work closely with government officials in our sister state Cherkasy, the Ukrainian Consulate in Chicago, and other organizations to provide aid. Food supplies are needed most, and the 300,000 meals packaged at this event will have a tremendous impact.”
Hy-Vee has had a partnership with Meals from the Heartland since 2011 and has provided funding for more than 13.5 million meals to those in need.
Related: Publix Launches Donation Program to Support Ukraine; Giving Back: Food Companies Rally to Support Ukraine.