(Bellingham, WA) October 31, 2016 – Industrial Credit Union’s Feed the Need efforts set a new record this year, collecting over $215,000 for Whatcom County food banks.

Last year Feed the Need brought in $113,000 plus 75,000 pounds of food. For 2016, with hunger at an all-time high, Industrial CU decided to set the goal higher than any previous year. The Credit Union also wanted to put an emphasis on monetary donations because the food banks’ buying power far exceeds what can be purchased individually. “For every $10 donated, the Food Bank can purchase approximately $80 worth of food,” said Mike Cohen, Executive Director for the Bellingham Food Bank. Organizers at Industrial CU set a goal of $150,000, thinking it was ambitious but that it would be possible if everyone pitched in.

Feed the Need was off to a great start after the kick-off event in September (the 4th Annual Food Truck Round Up) raised nearly $28,000. Ben Kinney Teams also stepped up and collected over $27,000. Ben Kinney and Keller Williams Realty also matched funds totaling over $62,000. Industrial CU collected another $35,000 from Whatcom County businesses and $63,000 from individual donors during the Feed the Need Community Food Drive, bringing the total to $215,000 plus 10,000 pounds of food. These funds will equate to over $1.7 million of buying power for Whatcom County food banks.

“We are very proud of what our community is capable of when we all come together for a great cause,” said Kim Sutton, Executive Vice President for Industrial CU and organizer of Feed the Need. “We always hope that our efforts inspire others to give; achieving results like this is the ultimate reward.”

Feed the Need is the largest food drive in Whatcom County. Its success would not have been possible without the dedicated teams at Industrial CU, Haggen Food & Pharmacy, Community Food Co-op and the Cascade Radio Group. Industrial CU would like to give a special ‘thank you’ to Ben Kinney and Keller Williams Realty, whose incredible contribution made a substantial impact on the outcome of this effort.

Since 1941, Industrial Credit Union has been dedicated to serving the financial needs of its member-owners. For information about how Industrial CU can be In Your Corner, please call (360)734-2043 or visit IndustrialCU.org. Industrial CU is federally insured by the NCUA.