"Let's Kick Hunger Day" Radiothon Surpasses $1 Million in Donations for Hunger Relief

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Jan 31, 2014, 11:45 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The fifth annual "Let's Kick Hunger Day" radiothon, which took place on Thursday, January 30, 2014, raised more than $250,000 for hunger relief, pushing the five-year total for the event to more than $1 million.

The "Let's Kick Hunger Day" radiothon is an all-day live radio broadcast designed to generate awareness of hunger in the heartland and to raise funds to help end it. For the fifth consecutive year, the radiothon was presented by WCCO Radio and Taste of the NFL with proceeds benefitting Second Harvest Heartland, one of the nation's largest, most efficient and most innovative food banks.

"The response from the community to the 'Let's Kick Hunger Day' radiothon has been overwhelmingly positive, and we could not be more pleased," said Rob Zeaske, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. "Hunger continues to have far too strong a hold on families, children and seniors in our communities, but every dollar donated can help make a significant difference for them. We are grateful for the support from WCCO Radio, Taste of the NFL and the event sponsors and those who contributed to the success of this campaign over the last five years."

"As a dedicated community partner, WCCO Radio is incredibly proud of the success of the 'Let's Kick Hunger Day' radiothon and grateful for the support of so many in the community. The WCCO listeners have always shown generosity and support in helping make a difference for those in need," said Mick Anselmo, CBS RADIO Minneapolis Senior Vice President/Market Manager. "We are thrilled to have surpassed $1 million in donations in the five years since this campaign started and to have played a role in fighting hunger."

Sponsors for this year's "Let's Kick Hunger Day" radiothon included Land O'Lakes, General Mills, and AgStar Financial Services.

About Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland is one of the nation's largest, most efficient and most innovative food banks. In 2013, we delivered more than 65 million meals to nearly 1,000 food shelves, pantries and other agency partner programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Second Harvest Heartland helps relieve hunger not only by sourcing, warehousing and distributing food, but through data-driven thought leadership and community partnerships that help improve the region's larger hunger relief system. For more information, visit www.2harvest.org or call 651.484.5117.

About WCCO Radio
WCCO Radio has a storied history of community service in the state of Minnesota and since its inception is a respected and important part of the fabric of life in Minnesota. WCCO Radio is dedicated to helping our hometown community by assisting in the fight against hunger. Through community partnerships and our listener's generosity WCCO Radio has been able to raise millions of dollars to help aid in the fight against hunger. For more information, visit www.wccoradio.com.

About General Mills
General Mills is one of the world's leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries. Its brands include Cheerios, Fiber One, Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, and Wanchai Ferry. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2013 worldwide sales of US $17.8 billion. General Mills invests in and collaborates with community organizations and programs that focus on alleviating hunger and advancing nutrition wellness. To learn more, visit http://www.generalmills.com/en/Responsibility/community_engagement/

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Land O'Lakes, Inc., one of America's premier agribusiness and food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from farm production products to consumer foods. With 2012 annual sales of more than $14 billion, Land O'Lakes is one of the nation's largest cooperatives, ranking in size at #194 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 92 years of operation, Land O'Lakes today operates under some of the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production including LAND O LAKES, Purina Animal Nutrition and WinField. The company does business in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. The Land O'Lakes International Development division is one of the major agricultural outreach and food aid programs in the world. Since 1981, this division has helped generate economic growth and improve the quality of life for millions of people through more than 275 projects in 76 developing nations. Land O'Lakes, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, MN.

About AgStar Financial Services
AgStar Financial Services, ACA, headquartered in Mankato, Minn., employs more than 600 full-time team members. The company is part of the national Farm Credit System and has a public mission to serve 69 counties in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. AgStar's industry specialization, client segments and market delivery systems result in diversification nationwide. The company has expertise in the corn, soybean, swine, dairy and bio-energy industries. AgStar has developed successful programs in loans, leases, crop insurance, consulting and rural home mortgages. As a value-added financial services cooperative, AgStar allocates patronage dividends to its 14,000 stockholders. The company is also committed to giving back to rural residents, organizations and communities through AgStar's Fund for Rural America. Visit www.AgStar.com for more information.

About Taste of the NFL
The Taste of the NFL (TNFL) is a 501c3 that exists to raise awareness and dollars for hunger relief organizations involved in tackling hunger in America. The Minneapolis-based organization conducts national and local fundraising events throughout the year to raise money to combat hunger issues facing millions of Americans. To date, Taste of the NFL has raised more than $14 million for this critically important cause and is looking forward to its 2014 event on the eve of Super Bowl XLVIII in East Rutherford, N.J. For more information, visit www.TasteoftheNFL.com.