It’s once again time for farmers, ranchers and cooperatives to come together in a powerful campaign to knock out hunger. The CHS Harvest for Hunger food and fund drive begins March 1 and will continue through March 20 at your nearest CHS location.

“Since 2011 we have raised more than $4 million and 2.7 million pounds of food to fight hunger through CHS Harvest for Hunger,” says Lynden Johnson, executive vice president and chief operating officer, CHS Country Operations. “We are making a significant difference in the communities where we live and work, helping families across the country put food on their tables.”

Hunger is a reality for more than 40 million people in America, including 13.1 million children, according to Feeding America. In fact, food insecurity is generally higher in rural households than urban. Rural areas account for 64 percent of counties with the highest rates of child food insecurity.

CHS locations across the United States are planning fun and wacky ways to raise food and funds to fight hunger. Financial donations are encouraged as they give food banks additional buying power to provide nutritious food at deeply discounted rates; $1 equals 6 pounds of food for area food banks. Food bank buying power extends well beyond the reach of a typical grocery store visit, which is a great example of the power of everyone working together.

“Fighting hunger in our communities ties directly to what farmers and ranchers do every day, raising crops and livestock to feed the world,” Johnson says.

Stop in to your nearest CHS location to see how you can help make a difference in the fight against hunger through CHS Harvest for Hunger. Let’s show the strength that comes from rural communities working together.