Bank, partners help kids donate fresh food to those in need

Few things nourish the soul more than the gift of giving. It is in this spirit that First Interstate Bank, the NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market, and High Desert Food & Farm Alliance are teaming up to help fight hunger and improve regional food insecurity.

Between now and Sept.14, children 17 and younger who open a new minor savings account at any First Interstate Bank location in Bend will receive $10 in donation bucks for fresh veggies and produce. Children can experience the powerful act of paying it forward by taking their donation bucks to the Northwest Crossing Farmers Market and presenting it to staff at the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) Grow & Give program booth.

HDFFA staff will use these donation bucks to buy fresh produce, delivering food items weekly to the NeighborImpact Food Bank. This seemingly small gesture will provide nourishment for the estimated 30,000 Central Oregonians who are combating food insecurity and hunger.

“First Interstate Bank is proud to partner with two exceptional organizations equally committed to making our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Bill Kuhn, First Interstate president in Bend. “We’re excited to help facilitate this promotion, but the real heroes are the kids. Their efforts and generosity will help put food on the table for Bend families in need.”

“We believe that everyone deserves access to healthy, fresh food no matter their income level,” says Jess Weiland, HDFFA Food & Farm Director. “Through farmers market donations and on-farm harvests. we aim to collect 18,000 pounds of fresh food for the food bank this year. Donations from children through the Kids Food Bank program will help nourish our community and provide over 14,500 meals to those neighbors in need.”

The 2018 NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market runs every Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm through September 15th on NW Crossing Drive in west Bend.