ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, U.S. — More than 2.45 million meals are headed for hungry families thanks to the second annual CHS Harvest for Hunger food and funds drive by the Country Operations division of CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative, CHS said on April 13.

"CHS Harvest for Hunger rallied thousands of CHS employees, customers and partners to collectively raise the equivalent of 2.45 million meals for hungry families, including 652,000 pounds of canned and fresh foods, and $360,000 in cash and grain," said John McEnroe, executive vice-president, CHS Country Operations.

This year's CHS Harvest for Hunger campaign surpassed last year's drive by more than 450,000 meals. In addition, CHS Country Operations bolstered donations to CHS Harvest for Hunger by nearly $220,000 with contributions to local communities to help friends and neighbors.

"It's powerful to see how each dollar, canned food item and donation of grain or produce, along with the CHS match, combined to make such a tremendous impact for those who need it most," said McEnroe. "The participation and generosity from our employees, customers and overall communities was truly overwhelming. It's yet another example of being responsible stewards in the community, a tradition CHS has built for 80 years."

CHS Harvest for Hunger was held March 1-16 at most of the CHS Country Operations retail locations. Donations collected went to regional food banks. Fundraising activities varied at each location and included such events as pig-kissing and pie-throwing contests, pancake breakfasts, luncheons and food collections.