Harvesters exists to feed people who are experiencing food insecurity. We are fortunate to have incredible donors who give food, money, time, and voice to the issue of hunger. Since being inducted into Harvesters Circle of Hope Hall of Fame in 2014, Dillons has partnered with Harvesters in all four ways. We think it is time to brag about them a bit.
Harvesters is incredibly grateful to have Sheila Regehr, Dillon’s Corporate Affairs Manager, as a partner in hunger relief. “Sheila is an innovative leader who has expanded Dillon’s commitment to food & fund drives, volunteerism, and statewide advocacy efforts.” says Amy Pinger, Community Engagement Manager. “My favorite thing about working with Sheila is the dedication and passion she brings to this work. As a Kansas native, she understands what our neighbors are facing daily and is motivated to create sustainable solutions.”
According to Sheila, addressing hunger is at the heart of everything they do. “We’re a food business and so, it’s our job to feed people, whether they’re coming through the registers or they’re needing assistance from our food bank partners,” Sheila says. “Partnerships with these agencies to help end hunger in our communities. It’s our number one priority for our organization, because that is what our customers tell us is important.”
Dillons’ Zero Hunger, Zero Waste initiative forms partnerships with food banks and pantries in their region to, as the name implies, simultaneously address food waste and food insecurity. Harvesters is a direct beneficiary of its Food Rescue program, which donates food that is edible but would otherwise be unsellable.
“Associates hated throwing perfectly good food away just because it was falling short of an expiration date but still high-quality, wholesome, safe food to eat,” Shelia says. “So, whether it’s items from the meat department, or the frozen food department or produce, we work with food bank partners just like Harvesters to make sure that it ends up on a table instead of the landfill.”
Dillons stores across Harvesters service region have food drive barrels and round up fundraisers at the store throughout the year, frequently matching customer donations. Dillons has worked with the Harvesters staff to coordinate large Community partner food purchases for Healthy Family Meal Kits and Holiday Box packing engagements. In June, KSNT hosted their Founders Day food drive at two Dillons store locations which provided 467 Healthy Family Meal Kits.
Dillons is a great example of a business that uses their resources to benefit their community. Thank you, Dillons, for everything you do for our neighbors!
Dillons’ Impact at a Glance:
Employee Volunteer Hours – 1,086
Food Rescue Donations: 997,695
Food Drive Donations: 211,180
Food Purchases Coordinated: 1,900 Holiday & Healthy Family Meal Kits
Funds Donated: $623,000.