WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–Hy-Vee, Inc. announced March 21 that it set a goal to raise $1 million to help local food banks restock their shelves during the COVID-19 outbreak. On March 23, Hy-Vee launched a campaign to raise money and awareness for food banks across its eight-state region. When customers check out, checkers will ask if they want to donate $1 or more to assist local food banks. For every dollar raised, Hy-Vee will match it up to $500,000.

Customers can also donate in set increments during their Hy-Vee Aisles Online purchase. Hy-Vee will then collect all funds at the store level on a weekly basis and provide them to local food banks to help replenish their stock. “In today’s uncertain times, we want to keep our local food banks stocked with the essentials that individuals and families need,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “By partnering with our customers, our goal is to raise $1 million for our food bank partners so they can continue their operations throughout this crisis.”

The company’s match will come from Hy-Vee’s One Step Program, funded by proceeds from the sales of select Hy-Vee products designed to assist those in need.

Hy-Vee will accept donations at checkout through April 30. Each Hy-Vee location selected a local food bank that will receive the monetary donations, as many stores already have relationships with local agencies committed to meeting the needs of residents facing food insecurity.