St. Cloud, Minn.-based Stearns Bank and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation raised $665,000 for Minnesota FoodShare Month.
The checks were given to three food shelves in March: Catholic Charities of St. Cloud, St. Cloud Salvation Army and the St. Joseph Food Shelf. Stearns Bank originally ofered to match financial donations up to $100,000, but later increased that amount to $150,000.
Central Minnesota Community Foundation launched the Community Foundation in 2000. Stearns Bank’s partnership with the nonprofit began in December.
According to hunger relief agency Second Harvest, one-in-six Minnesotans experienced food insecurity in 2021. “We are incredibly grateful for the level of generosity shown during this challenge,” said Stearns Bank Chief Marketing Officer Rory Bidinger. “Together, we can make a difference and work toward lasting solutions to fight hunger in Central Minnesota and beyond.”