The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana announced the results of the 2021 Strack & Van Til Checkout Challenge, which raised $225,365.56 to benefit individuals and families facing hunger in the Region. The amount represents the combined efforts of customers across Northwest Indiana choosing to “round up” their bill at the register when shopping at the 20 Strack & Van Til stores in the area.
“This year’s Checkout Challenge results reveal the tremendous impact of a community rallying together to help our neighbors”, said Victor A. Garcia, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “Strack & Van Til customers accomplished this by caring enough to contribute spare change from their grocery bill”.
“Strack & Van Til and Town & Country --- we’re proud to be a conduit for this community through the 2021 round up campaign. Our customers have come together and contributed more than $225,000 to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. That is truly neighbors coming together to help out neighbors and make a difference in our community”, said Jeff Strack, President & CEO of Strack & Van Til.
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana also acknowledges the role that Strack & Van Til employees played in the success of the Checkout Challenge. “We are extremely gratefully to Strack & Van Til cashiers and store managers for supporting our efforts, by simply asking customers to “round up” their bill,” said Garcia. They consistently asked because they understand that each dollar raised provides critical food assistance to those who need it most. With the total raised, we can provide more than a half a million meals to hungry children, seniors, individuals and families in our community.”
The Food Bank celebrated the success of the campaign last week with a luncheon to recognize the stores and the cashiers that generated the largest donations during the Checkout Challenge, which has taken place the last 10 years during November and December. Store amounts were translated to meals to stress the impact of the donations. The top three stores were Highland, which raised 66,246 meals; St John, which raised 64,453 meals; and Valparaiso Calumet Ave, which raised 55,261 meals. The top cashiers were Mary K. from Valparaiso Town & Country, raising 6,730 meals; Evon M. from St. John, raising 6,255 meals; and Ryan T. from Valparaiso Route 30, raising 5,139 meals.
“Strack & Van Til is Indiana’s grocery store and is a valued Premier Partner of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana,” said Garcia. “There is strong alignment with our mission and values. The generosity of their customers and the support of the entire Strack & Van Til team during the Checkout Challenge reflects the value of that relationship to the community.
