The COVID-19 Pandemic, combined with an increase in extreme weather events and global conflict, has negatively impacted food prices, making it difficult for many people to afford the food they need to live an active, healthy life. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 38.3 million people lived in food-insecure households in 2020.

In Nebraska, neighbors help neighbors through an annual project called 10/11 Can Care-A-Van, a statewide food drive that helps stock the shelves of local food pantries across the state. For eight years Black Hills Energy has been a proud sponsor of this program, which is especially important considering rising food costs.

KOLN, the CBS affiliate in Lincoln, Nebraska, coordinated the 2022 campaign, which ran from June 6-10 and included stops in 15 towns. More than 20 local food pantries benefited from the food drive.

As sponsors, Black Hills Energy employees not only donated food and household goods, but also volunteered at community drop-off sites during the event. Our employees collected nearly 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food and highly needed household products. In all, this year’s 11/10 Can Care-A-Van brought in more than 170,000 pounds of food!

“Now more than ever, our communities need a hand up,” said Kevin Jarosz, vice president of operations in Nebraska. “We are happy to be part of a longstanding, impactful tradition like the Can Care-A-Van that has and continues to help provide food security across the state.”

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