MOSES LAKE — Community Services of Moses Lake (Moses Lake Food Bank) got a huge boost to the funding of their many different endeavors on Tuesday as they were presented a $19,786 check courtesy of CHS Connell Grain and CHS Sun Basin.

CHS Connell Grain and CHS Sun Basin partnered with CHS locations around the country in sending more than $650,000 and almost 400,000 pounds of food to families through their annual Harvest for Hunger campaign. The campaign includes food, money and grain drives led by the Country Operations division of CHS.

Since 2011 more than $4 million and 2.7 pounds of food have been raised during the annual campaign, which typically runs from March 1-20. Donations received went to food banks and charitable organizations. CBH Sun Basin organized hot dog feeds and roller skating events to raise funds. CHS Connell Grain held bowling tournaments and school specialty day food drives to collect food and funds.

“It’s exciting and inspiring to see our communities, our employees and local producers working together to help those in need. Through CHS Harvest for Hunger and the value of the cooperative system, every dollar and donation is magnified to make a much greater difference in the fight against hunger,” Mel Domine, CHS vice president of Pacific Northwest Region and Country Operations, said.

In addition to the $19,786 donated to CSML, the following local food banks received donations as well:

Ephrata Food Bank: $1,512

Othello Food Bank: $1,323

Quincy Food Bank: $2,835

Royal City Food Bank: $2,835

Soap Lake Food Bank: $2,835

CSML Operations Manager Peny Archer said the funds will go a long way in the purchasing of much-needed equipment at the food bank’s West Marina Drive location.

“We are kind of like an octopus, there is so many different tentacles here that need attention. But I sure have been looking at replacing our forklift, which looks like one that Fred Flintstone used to use,” Archer remarked. “We have got a lot of different resources. Of course food is always a top priority here as well.”

Archer noted a 6.3 acre parcel of land, located across from Home Depot on state Route 17, was recently given to CSML through a trust and they have been looking for donations, both small and large, to start the process of constructing a new building.

“All we have got to do is come up with $4 million,” Archer said with a slight chuckle. “We have already had architects and engineers working with us. We know what we want, but when you try and find $4 million it’s not a small feat and it’s going to take some time.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.