KSTZ-FM Des Moines Collects 205,000 Pounds of Food

Topic: Neighbors in Need

The 19th annual “Combat Hunger” campaign run by KSTZ-FM in Des Moines, Iowa, is proof that even in a tough economy, the hearts of Iowans have stayed big. This year’s drive resulted in 205,000 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Iowa, which helps stock the pantries of more than 245 agencies throughout the state. During the campaign, the station moves its studio to the “Combat Hunger” encampment in downtown Des Moines and replaces normal programming with two days worth of live broadcast for the cause. This year, donations poured in from more than 190 central Iowa schools and businesses. In addition to donating air time and significant staff hours, KSTZ created a campaign Web site, where listeners could donate online and find out what food items were needed the most. “This past year, everyone has had to learn to make do with less—and yet, they’ve given more,” said Scott Allen, KSTZ program director. “After more than a year of bad news about the economy, it seems like Iowans are just determined to make their own good news.” The station prepares for the drive, which is the biggest in the state, for months before the event. Since its inception, “Combat Hunger” has generated donations of more than 1.5 million pounds of food to feed the hungry.

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