BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS, US — GROWMARK, Inc. has partnered with the Midwest Food Bank to help bring nutritious meals to the people of Ukraine, whose country has been devastated since Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24. GROWMARK System employees, members, and customers can make financial donations to the GROWMARK Foundation that will go directly to providing Tender Mercies to Ukraine.

Tender Mercies meals have been a hallmark of the Midwest Food Bank’s mission to fight against food insecurity across the world. Every dollar donated provides four servings of meals that are designed by dietitians to provide critical nutrition. The GROWMARK Foundation also is offering a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $5,000 donated through the program.

“This is a specific point in history when we have the opportunity to live out our noble purpose ‘to help feed and fuel the world,’” said Ann Kafer, executive vice president, human resources and corporate services, for GROWMARK. “Partnering with Midwest Food Bank to get high-protein, easy-to-use food into Ukraine through reputable partners is a blessing and squarely in line with who we are as an agricultural cooperative system.”

Normal, Illinois, US-based Midwest Food Bank has partnerships across the globe to provide food relief in times of disaster through its Tender Mercies program. Tender Mercies are high-protein, shelf-stable food packets that can be prepared using only boiling water, making them ideal for people who may not have access to normal cooking facilities. 

To aid in Ukraine relief, Midwest Food Bank has partnered with Convoy of Hope, which is working on the ground in Ukraine and nearby countries to distribute food and other supplies to those who need them most. Donations can be made online at www.bit.ly/GROWMARKFoundation or by mailing a check made out to GROWMARK Foundation and mailed to GROWMARK Foundation, c/o Karen Jones, 1701 Towanda Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61701.