Hen House Market in Overland Park, Kansas, partnered with Harvesters – The Community Food Network for the “Fill the Fridge” food drive held on Oct. 1.
The initiative focused on collecting perishable food donations and raising funds through a virtual food drive to provide fresh, nutritious food to families facing hunger.
According to Harvesters, food insecurity in the region is at an all-time high. The “Fill the Fridge” campaign provided a vital way to deliver fresh essentials – including milk, cheese, apples, and bacon – to neighbors who need them most.
Thanks to community support, Hen House and Harvesters raised more than $22,470 through the virtual drive, along with 2,316 pounds of fresh food donations.
“This food drive was a powerful example of our community coming together to support families struggling with hunger,” said a representative from Balls Food Stores, owner of the Hen House Market banner. “We’re grateful to our customers and partners who stepped up to help us make a meaningful difference.”
A Legacy of Giving
On Sept. 18, Balls Food Stores was honored in Harvesters’ inaugural Million Meals Club, which recognizes local businesses contributing more than $500,000 to the fight against hunger.
Balls Food Stores’ partnership with Harvesters dates back to the 1970s. Since Harvesters began tracking meals donated by Balls Food Stores, more than four million meals have been provided to those impacted by hunger. Giving back to the communities it serves has been at the heart of Balls Food Stores from the very beginning, and its partnership with Harvesters allows the company to extend that commitment and provide greater support to its neighbors.
In addition to large-scale campaigns like “Fill the Fridge,” Balls Food Stores supports Harvesters year-round through:
- Barrel Donation Program – Customer donations collected in-store;
- $10 Pre-Packed Grocery Bag Program – Each bag feeds a family of four; and
- Direct Donation Program – Contributions through the central warehouse.
“We are extremely grateful to our loyal customers who not only shop with us, but also consistently think of others when shopping our aisles,” a Balls Food Stores representative said.
About Balls Food Stores
Established in 1923, Balls Food Stores operates 24 local grocery stores in the Kansas City metropolitan area under the Hen House Market, Price Chopper, Sun Fresh and Payless banners, as well as Tippin’s Pies. A family-owned company for more than 100 years, Balls Food Stores recently announced a 100 percent Teammate Stock Ownership Program (TSOP) and is headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas.
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