The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio made its first stop for Food Drive Fridays at the Pella Hy-Vee store on Friday. 

The event encourages donations to local food shelves and other programs in the area, such as the Food Bank of Iowa. Hy-Vee shoppers interested in participating can make a donation to local food banks at the register or by purchasing a few extra items and placing them in the collection bins at the entrances of the stores or by delivering them directly to the local food banks. Hy-Vee District Director DeWayne McIntryre says that he is thankful to be partnering with local food banks to try and combat hunger in the area.

“I think it’s a little easier to put a big focus on at this time of year because there’s a little bit of an extra need. But you know, we think it’s important to focus on it all year round because whether we like to admit it or not or even we just don’t know about it, there is a strong need in our communities for those food banks and they do such a great job of distributing to those throughout our area. And so it’s a great partnership to be able to help out our community.”

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio will be at the Pella, Knoxville, and Oskaloosa Hy-Vee’s on Fridays and Saturdays throughout November and December. Also on Food Drive Friday, the KNIA/KRLS News team is featuring area food pantries and other services helping with local hunger during special edition news magazines.