Public event aims to generate 300,000 packaged meals

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Hy-Vee Inc. will host an event intended to provide food to Ukrainians under siege by Russian soldiers.

The regional supermarket chain on April 26 is hosting “Unite for Ukraine” to support Iowans’ efforts to provide meals for some of the Ukrainians under assault from Russia’s military. Hy-Vee is donating $50,000 from the company’s One Step charitable program to fund the public event.

“When the opportunity presented itself to open our doors to a public packaging event to help those in Ukraine, we knew this was something we had to do,” Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. “For years, we have helped combat food insecurity both here at home as well as across the world. We know countless people are in need of food right now, and as the state’s largest grocer, it’s our duty to answer the call for help.”

Ukraine is a major contributor to the global food supply as a producer of wheat, corn, barley, sunflower oil and fertilizer. Since the invasion of Russian forces, in late February, thousands of Ukrainian civilians are believed to have died, and survivors have been trapped in shelters without heat or electricity, and desperately short of food, water and other essentials.

“Iowans are eager to help the Ukrainian people whose lives have been devastated by a senseless war, and Hy-Vee’s generous donation to Meals from the Heartland is an opportunity to make a difference for those in desperate need,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “My team continues to work closely with government officials in our sister state Cherkasy, the Ukrainian Consulate in Chicago, and other organizations to provide aid. Food supplies are needed most, and the 300,000 meals packaged at this event will have a tremendous impact.”

Hy-Vee said it has had a partnership with West Des Moines-based nonprofit Meals from the Heartland since 2011 and that the collaboration has funded more than 13.5 million meals to needy individuals and families.