Food banks benefit from donation

QUINCY - Hungry people in Moses Lake, Quincy, Royal City, Othello and Mattawa soon benefit from a $14,800 donation provided by CHS Sun Basin Growers. 

Quincy farmer Blaine Hirai donated three semi loads of potatoes for the effort, which went to Second Harvest Food Bank in Spokane for regional distribution, said CHS  general Manager Ron Kopczynski on Wednesday. 

Other farmers donated onions, wheat and cash. Employees also gave for the cause, as well as working at a pancake breakfast in Moses Lake to raise money.

"It was great," said Kopczynski. "We're thrilled to report that CHS Harvest for Hunger reached double its goal. Our thanks to everyone who participated. Together we proved how much the country cares about helping others in need."

For collection, food donations bins were set up at CHS' locations in Moses Lake, Othello, Royal City, Quincy and Pasco.

He explained how the donation event was a competition of sorts between all the CHS' in the country. 

For locations donating 1,000 meals, the company would donate $150 per employee.

CHS in Quincy brought in 3,400 meals per employee.

Companywide employees, customers and partners brought in 314,162 pounds of food and $247,635 in cash. 

He is seeing the need in the communities served by CHS.

"All you have to do is drive by one of the food banks and see the line," he noted. "Just seeing all the people in there, it's quite emotional."

Families and retired people alike are seeking help from food banks, Kopczynski said.

Of the total donation, $5,940 is going to Moses Lake Food Bank, $4,455 to Quincy Food Bank, $2,672 to Royal City Food Bank, $1,485 to Othello Food Bank and $297 to Mattawa Food Bank.