Two-Week Initiative Supports Families in Need of Food Assistance; Customers at all Cub Foods Stores Can Contribute to the Cause
STILLWATER, MINN. — Forced to make difficult choices between purchasing their next meal and other necessities such as housing and healthcare, an estimated one in 10 Minnesotans struggle with hunger every day. Beginning this weekend, Cub Foods, a trusted hometown grocer since 1968, University of Minnesota Gopher Athletics and Second Harvest Heartland are teaming up to support hunger relief with the “Cub Cares” campaign, a two-week fundraiser and awareness initiative with the goal of moving one step closer to a hunger-free Minnesota.
The program, which kicks off this Sunday, Oct. 12, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 25, will generate funds by giving customers at all Cub Foods locations the option to round up their grocery bill to the nearest dollar and donate the difference between their original bill and final receipt to Second Harvest Heartland and participating Minnesota Feeding America Food Banks. Cub customers can also contribute to the cause by purchasing pre-packed “Cub Cares” bags of non-perishable food, which will also be donated.
“Since the very beginning, making the communities we serve a better place has been a priority for Cub and its employees,” said Mike Stigers, president at Cub Foods. “With so many families still struggling to find enough to eat each week, our hope is that the ‘Cub Cares’ program will not only provide meals for those in need during this busy season, but also remind us all to do our part year-round to help create a hunger-free Minnesota.”
During the campaign, University of Minnesota Gopher Athletics will add an element of extra excitement to the fundraising effort by offering Cub Foods customers the chance to win tickets to upcoming Gopher football games at TCF Bank Stadium and other prizes. Additionally, fans will have an opportunity to get a glimpse of the Little Brown Jug — the rivalry trophy the Gophers reclaimed following their recent win over perennial BIG TEN football powerhouse, the University of Michigan — when the trophy is put on display at the Cub Foods store located at 1440 University Ave. West in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Customers will also notice attention-grabbing signage throughout Cub locations featuring beloved mascot Goldy Gopher asking for local shoppers’ help to end hunger in their communities. The famous mascot will even bring the fun of the campaign to life with appearances at the Midway location Friday, Oct. 17, and at the Quarry neighborhood Cub Foods at 1540 New Brighton Blvd. in Minneapolis Friday, Oct. 24.
“We’re proud to partner with Cub Foods to raise awareness of such an important issue affecting families across Minnesota,” said Norwood Teague, director of athletics at the University of Minnesota. “Each and every donation contributed to Second Harvest Heartland and other area food shelves though the program will make a positive, real-world impact on the lives of many Minnesotans in need.”
The “Cub Cares” campaign will culminate with a unique tailgating party at the Quarry neighborhood Cub Foods starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct 25. During the tailgating festivities, Cub and Gopher Athletics will host a live viewing of the Gopher football game against BIG TEN opponent the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. Ending the donation drive on a strong note, attendees will have one final opportunity to purchase a “Cub Cares” food donation bag for Second Harvest Heartland. Fans will also enjoy complimentary hot dogs and chips, and have the chance to win additional prizes as they revel in the gameday experience.
For more information on Cub Foods and the “Cub Cares” campaign, visit www.Cub.com. For more information on the issue of hunger in Minnesota, visit www.2harvest.org.