Hy-Vee Offers Free Meals to Children Amid Food Assistance Struggles

Hy-Vee, a prominent grocery chain in the United States, has announced that it will provide free meals for children aged 12 and under from November 3 to November 7, 2023. This initiative is aimed at supporting families affected by challenges related to federal food assistance programs, particularly in light of the ongoing government shutdown. The free meals will be available at participating Hy-Vee locations that offer hot food service, with an additional option for all customers to purchase hot meals for just $3 from 16:00 to 19:00, Monday through Friday.

Anna Stoermer, chief executive of Hy-Vee, expressed the company’s commitment to its communities, stating, “We want to support the communities that support our stores, which is why we are doing everything we can to make sure no one goes hungry during these uncertain times.” This sentiment reflects the company’s broader mission to alleviate food insecurity during a period of economic difficulty for many families.

The special menu for the week includes a variety of hot meal options: on Monday, children can enjoy baked potatoes topped with pulled pork; Tuesday features spaghetti with meat sauce, accompanied by salad and bread; Wednesday offers chicken and noodles served with mashed potatoes; Thursday includes chili paired with a cinnamon roll; and Friday wraps up the week with a HyChi sesame or orange chicken rice bowl, complete with an appetizer.

In addition to the free meals, Hy-Vee has launched a food donation initiative allowing customers to contribute by purchasing $5 or $10 donation bags. These bags contain essential pantry items that will be distributed to local food banks, further supporting families in need.

Hy-Vee’s commitment to community assistance extends beyond this meal program. The company has collaborated with several suppliers, including Dole, Pillsbury, StarKist Tuna, and SUNSET Mastronardi, to bolster its food assistance efforts. Recently, Hy-Vee made a significant contribution of $100,000 to its partner food banks affiliated with Feeding America. This donation aims to sustain inventory levels at these local food banks, ensuring that families have access to necessary food supplies.

Moreover, Hy-Vee has provided $25,000 to DoorDash to support an initiative that waives delivery and service fees for customers receiving food assistance benefits. This effort is designed to help families maximize their food budgets during challenging times. Over the past year, Hy-Vee has demonstrated its commitment to fighting hunger by contributing more than $70 million in food donations.

Through these initiatives, Hy-Vee is taking a proactive stance in addressing food insecurity in its communities, reinforcing its role as a supportive partner for families navigating financial hardships.