Hunger affects 42.2 million people in the United States, including children and the elderly, in both urban and rural communities. Not always visible, it’s nevertheless a devastating source of anxiety and a barrier to many opportunities for one in seven people in the country. It’s a crisis that can’t be ignored.
That’s why Rent-A-Center is partnering with Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, to fight food insecurity with the help of its more than 3,000 stores nationwide.
“Rent-A-Center has supported hunger-relief efforts since 2002,” says Gina Hethcock, senior manager for public and community relations. “Fighting hunger is a big part of our corporate giving efforts.”
Each September, which is Hunger Action Month, Rent-A-Center stores collect cash donations for hunger-relief organizations such as the North Texas Food Bank, located near the company’s headquarters. “Our past efforts have been more on a local level,” Hethcock says. “By partnering with Feeding America, we can streamline the giving process in order to make a bigger impact.”
Throughout the month, Rent-A-Center employees and customers will have the opportunity to support Fill the Fridge, Rent-A-Center’s new hunger initiative. The money raised will support local food banks affiliated with Feeding America.
Starting September 1, Rent-A-Center customers can purchase a tag for $1 to be displayed on store windows, or they can participate in a Keep the Change campaign at checkout. During this time, new Rent-A-Center customers can also choose to donate to Fill the Fridge in lieu of a down payment. Customers can also make additional donations online or in-store through September 30.
Rent-A-Center employees will have the opportunity to give through the company’s website, and individual stores can participate in healthy competition with other sites. “Employee engagement is a big part of collecting donations from customers,” Hethcock says. “Without them, there wouldn’t be a hunger-relief program.”
Last year, Rent-A-Center stores raised $20,000 for local food banks. This year’s goal is $150,000. The 2017 Hunger Action Month campaign asks people to consider the universal feeling of an empty stomach, and how no one can reach his or her full potential when hungry.