Give $50, get $50 to support local food banks

COEUR D’ALENE — Great Grocery Gifting events will pop up throughout the region Sept. 8 in an effort to raise $40,000 for Second Harvest. Community members are invited to make a $50 donation to the hunger relief nonprofit. In return, donors will receive a $50 gift card to Yoke’s Fresh Market from Numerica Credit Union.

In Coeur d’Alene, Second Harvest and Numerica volunteers will be set up from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at McEuen Park, accepting $50 donations and passing out the $50 grocery gift cards.

In the Inland Northwest, one in nine people struggle with hunger according to Feeding America’s 2022 Map the Meal Gap data. Second Harvest is able to turn each $50 donation into food for 250 meals. If Numerica is able to give away all 830 gift cards across the region, Second Harvest can provide food for more than 207,000 meals for those in need.

“Numerica is committed to giving back to organizations that support vulnerable families in our community,” said Amanda Swan, Numerica’s assistant vice president of community development and impact. “We wanted to find a fun way to reward people for their generosity, raise awareness for the work of Second Harvest, and make an impact in our neighborhoods.”

Credit card or cash donations must be made in person to receive the grocery gift card. Gift cards will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.

Numerica and Second Harvest will also be accepting donations at simultaneous events in three other locations:

• Spokane: Riverfront Park at the Numerica SkyRide

• Tri-Cities: Numerica Pavilion at Southridge Sports & Events Center

• Wenatchee: Town Toyota Center (gift cards to Grocery Outlet at this location)

“We’re incredibly hopeful and excited to see the community show up to support each other,” said Jason Clark, president and CEO of Second Harvest Inland Northwest. “We’re grateful that Numerica has been a partner with Second Harvest for more than a decade and are committed to building healthier communities together.”