In honor of its associates nationwide, Ferguson recently donated $100,000 to Feeding America to celebrate its eighth annual Feed the Need campaign. For nearly a decade, associates have partnered with food banks and animal shelters every spring to help strengthen the communities Ferguson serves.

"Many of our neighbors are turning to food banks for the first time due to the challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Ferguson CEO Kevin Murphy. “Nothing is more important right now than ensuring our communities are safe and healthy, and part of that is making sure that everyone has food on the table. Our generous associates donate more than 50,000 meals each year to food banks across the country and we could not let this year go by without helping our communities, especially when the need is so great.”

Feeding America’s 200 network food banks and 60,000 agency partners have seen a 60 percent increase in the number of people needing help. More than 54 million people may experience food insecurity in 2020, including a potential 18 million children. To combat the need and keep everyone safe, the network of food banks host drive-through pantries in the hardest-hit communities. Since the beginning of March, Feeding America has helped distribute 1.3 billion meals.

Two-thirds of Feeding America food banks across the country are accepting volunteers. Many food banks need help and have volunteer opportunities available. Before the pandemic, food banks relied on the generous time of nearly 2 million volunteers per month. Since COVID-19, volunteer numbers are down, but the need is even higher. There are many ways to help food banks right now in person or at home, including donating to the COVID-19 response fund.

For those who choose to volunteer at a food bank in their community, please follow the CDC guidelines.