Local food banks and pantries will be called on to help meet the needs of these struggling families

CHARLESTON, SC – June 13, 2012 – As schools let out across the state, many families find themselves struggling to provide additional meals for their children.  Our local food banks and pantries will be called on to help meet the needs of these struggling families.  Harvest Hope Food Bank in the Midlands has already seen a surge in need for food at their Emergency Food Pantries, having provided food for over 850 families the two days after Memorial Day.

The thought of people and children in our own communities going hungry is sobering. But the reality is that in the current economic environment as the demand at food banks across South Carolina has increased, the supply has dwindled. It’s estimated that over 15 million pounds of food will to be distributed by our local food banks and pantries between May and August.

In response to this critical need, Wells Fargo is sponsoring the Border to Border Hunger Challenge, which matches donations made to our state’s four food banks from May 14 to June 15.

So far, the campaign has raised more than $325,238, which will provide over 1.5 million meals. With only a short time left in the campaign, we are asking for the generous support of local businesses and citizens to help fight hunger.  Dollars raised will be used by the food banks in a variety of ways, from providing nutritious food to low-income children during the summer months, to supporting the delivery of meals to homebound seniors. No one in our community should go hungry. Please consider joining us to help feed families across our entire state.  For more information about the Border to Border Hunger Challenge visit: http://scfoodbankassociation.org/.

Support for the Border to Border Hunger Challenge is one of the many ways, Wells Fargo is helping to address local social and economic issues facing communities throughout the state. Our responsibility goes far beyond protecting our customers’ assets. We’re responsible for being leaders to promote the long-term economic prosperity and quality of life for everyone in our communities. That’s why last year, Wells Fargo made grants exceeding $3.1 million to over 375 non-profit groups.  And, that’s why we’ll continue to partner with important community organizations, like the South Carolina Food Bank Association, to make South Carolina a better place to live and work.

Len Hutchison
Charleston Area Market President
Wells Fargo