Coborn's recognized for ending hunger efforts

Coborn’s, Inc. is one of six companies in Minnesota to be recognized for its exceptional efforts to end hunger in its community by participating in the October 2014 “Minnesota’s Own” campaign to end hunger.

“Minnesota’s Own” raised food and monetary donations to provide over 8.7 million meals to Minnesota families in need. It was coordinated by the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) and included 241 MGA retail members, 14 vendor partners and community food banks and food shelves across the state. Participating stores and vendor locations offered multiple opportunities for consumers to contribute to the campaign. Many retailers encouraged customers to donate grocery items in-store or round up their purchase totals at the register, contributing the price difference to feed local families. Others prominently displayed the names of customers who donated money on grocery list icons. All food and monetary contributions collected were distributed to a variety of local food shelves, banks, and support organizations across the state. Coborn’s received the Silver Plate Award for Best Overall Program Support – Retail in the “Minnesota’s Own” display contest, which offers a chance for campaign participants to get creative with in-store advertising while engaging consumers to end hunger. Statewide, 255 stores and vendors participated in this year’s display contest. In addition to the award, Coborn’s presented a $1,000 donation to the food charity of their choice, Catholic Charities Food Shelf, on behalf of the “Minnesota’s Own” program. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to put together a promotion that makes such an impact on our local communities,” says Chris Coborn, President and CEO of Coborn’s, Inc., based in St. Cloud, Minn.  “Thanks to our generous guests, employees and vendors, we have been able to provide a lot of food to many people in need. When we can use our business to help eliminate hunger, we all are affected in a very positive way.” Mike Paulsrud, Store Director of the Coborn’s in Sauk Rapids, adds, “Winning a Silver Plate Award from the Minnesota Grocers Association is a great honor but the recognition really should go to our generous customers. Struggling families in our community benefit from the support of our customers and their willingness to help us end hunger in our area and across Minnesota.” Kathryn Stolpman, Catholic Charities Emergency Services Manager, was grateful for the Coborn’s donation, “Keeping basic needs programs strong serves to strengthen communities as a whole," she says. "Coborn’s understands this and has been a vital partner in the fight against hunger in many communities. They have actively supported the Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf for many years with food, funds and volunteer efforts. Their community mindedness has harnessed the support of shoppers as well, allowing our Food Shelf to serve an average of 2200 households every month. Catholic Charities congratulates Coborn’s, Inc. on being awarded the 2014 Silver Plate Award.” “It was exciting to see these partnerships develop and everyone’s hard work on the “Minnesota’s Own” program make a positive difference for Minnesota families in need,” says Jamie Pfuhl, President of MGA, based in St. Paul. “I applaud Coborn’s on its truly outstanding success in this campaign. All of our participants did a great job raising awareness on a community level and rallying consumers behind this important cause.”