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Community collaboration aims to feed the hungry this holiday season

Posted at 5:21 PM, Nov 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-01 19:21:51-04

DENVER -- A team of Colorado businesses and organizations announced Tuesday they'll work together through the holiday season to feed the hungry in the Centennial State. 

Denver7 and Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) will work together with Whole Foods Markets and more to feed the families and the one in four children who are hungry across the state. 

Starting Tuesday in 15 Whole Foods and 12 SSFCU locations, cashiers and tellers will accept donations to help purchase food for families. 

Those who help donate are being called Holiday Heroes, as a donation of just $7 can feed a family of four that otherwise might not have sufficient food for a meal. 

The Holiday Heroes campaign will run through the end of November, when the funds will be disbursed to the Food Bank of the Rockies and the Community Food Share.

According to those groups, every dollar raised can help distribute five pounds of food, which is enough for four meals.

In 2015, Whole Foods in the Denver area helped raise nearly $200,000 to feed the hungry. This year, the goal is even higher. 

"We are committed to serving and supporting our local communities," Nancy Kaskel, a Whole Foods representative, said. "Whole Foods Markets in Colorado have donated over $30 million to local non-profits since 2001." 

Money raised in the Holiday Heroes campaign will help buy nutritional food for families over school breaks, when it can be hard to feed children. 

"Denver7 is very grateful to Whole Foods and Security Service Federal Credit Union for partnering with us for Holiday Heroes," Matt Laws IV, Denver7 creative services director, said. "This important program will benefit families in need this holiday season. If you can, please go by one of their many locations to donate. There are many heroes in our community." 

Donations will be accepted both in store and online as Holiday Heroes grows. 

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