Huntington , Cabell County , West Virginia

With more than 100,000 pounds of extra donations in this week, the Huntington Area Food Bank is wrapping up Hunger Action Month in a big way.

More than half of the extra donations came in the form of protein cookie bars from Visalus Sciences. Visalus representative Tina Hicks said, "I'm just very passionate about this program and passionate about feeding kids and helping families."

Hicks have been working on getting a big donation for the food bank for several months. In late June, when regional tornadoes and the derecho depleted food bank supplies, she knew now was the time for action.

The $1.2 million drop-off from the company came in three tractor-trailers this week, and is the biggest protein-based donation the food bank has received. The bars will feed hungry kids all over the Tri-State.

First Baptist Church of Kenova Pastor Steve Willis also was a key player in the donation.
"The food bank feeds 30,000 kids a month,” Willis said. “To have a donation come in not only that will help feed the kids, but is a healthy choice in their backpack and the things that we hand out to them, is an incredible blessing."

House Speaker Rick Thompson joined representatives WalMart, ViSalus and the Church of Latter Day Saints Thursday afternoon to see how they helped restock the massive warehouse.
"It's just great,” Thompson said. “That's just what people do. We have some tough economic times, and to see everybody come together and help each other out, that's what we're all about in West Virginia."

Walmart is a regular contributor to the food bank, and the church of Latter Day Saints is donating 11,000 pounds of food to the food bank this week. It's part of a four-state, $200,000 initiative the church is participating in this month.

The groups are all working together to help the nearly 100,000 people served each month by the food bank. Food Bank Director Scott Frasure said the effort has made a big difference. “We've got the word out. Hopefully, next year, we'll do it again," Frasure said.

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