Credit union donates $5,000 to food bank, issues member challenge

Heartland Credit Union has donated $5,000 to the Reno County Food Bank to help fight hunger and support families during the holiday season.

The credit union is now encouraging its members to match that donation by contributing an additional $5,000 by Dec. 31, with the goal of raising a total of $10,000 to support local residents, according to a community announcement.

The Reno County Food Bank provides emergency food assistance to about 13,000 residents each year, helping ensure that no one in the county has to face hunger alone. With the average cost of a meal in Kansas estimated at $3.42, Heartland’s initial donation could help provide over 1,400 meals. If the member challenge is met, nearly 3,000 meals could be served to those in need.

“Hunger is one of the 12 developmental issues identified by the National Credit Union Foundation as a barrier to financial well-being,” said Dan Springer, president and CEO of Heartland Credit Union. “It’s a challenge that can lead to a lack of education, which in turn limits opportunities to build savings and wealth. By supporting the Reno County Food Bank, we can help address one of the root causes of financial instability in the community.”

“With the help of community partners like Heartland, families in Reno County will be able to put food on the table, children will be able to focus on learning instead of hunger, and seniors will be able to stretch their fixed incomes a little further,” Angela Penner, executive director of the Reno County Food Bank. “Every dollar donated helps fill plates and brighten days throughout our community.”

Anyone can participate in the challenge, whether they’re a Heartland Credit Union member or not. Donations can be made by bringing cash to any Heartland Credit Union branch in Reno County. Heartland members can also call or visit their nearest branch and have money transferred directly from their savings or checking account.

Every dollar makes a difference, and together, the community can help make the holidays a little brighter for those facing difficult times this holiday season.

This story was created by reporter Charles Rankin, crankin@salina.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.