Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC got an unexpected boost to help meet the growing need for food in the Piedmont – a $50,000 Wells Fargo grant delivered by Commercial Banking Market leader Clarence McDonald.
The check presentation to Second Harvest CEO Eric Aft came Dec. 12 during a special food distribution in downtown Winston-Salem sponsored in part by Wells Fargo.
“Hunger is a year-round issue, which is even more pronounced during the holidays,” McDonald said. “And this year, due to the pandemic, the need for food is unfortunately greater than ever before. Wells Fargo is deeply committed to the communities we serve, and we’re glad to support Second Harvest in its effort to provide meals to people across their 18-county region.”
The surprise was part of Wells Fargo’s “Many hearts. One community.” holiday support for small businesses, Feeding America member food banks, and frontline workers and military families served by the American Red Cross.
Aft said that Second Harvest used $10,000 of the $50,000 grant to provide each of the 425 households that came through the food distribution line with a grocery gift card to purchase items to go along with the turkey each family received.
The remaining $40,000 will help the food bank host additional food distributions throughout the winter and support a new program providing mini grants to Second Harvest’s regional food assistance program partners so they’re better equipped to meet the growing needs in their own communities.
“Through these exceptional times, Wells Fargo has been steadfast in its support of Second Harvest Food Bank’s essential work to ensure that people in our community who are struggling to afford sufficient food can get the help they need,” Aft said. “I hope the actions of Wells Fargo will inspire others to give to help our neighbors in need.”
The surprise grant is in addition to the 654,876 meals Second Harvest delivered to 13,866 people for each of seven Saturdays between August and October in the Linden Center parking lot. The location joined others in 35 cities for Wells Fargo’s Drive-Up Food Bank program with Feeding America.
