ST. CLOUD, Minn.–St. Cloud Financial Credit Union created and launched a community driven initiative to help feed people in over the Easter weekend. According to the credit union, the initiative was led by St. Cloud Financial Credit Union President and CEO Jed Meyer and quickly grew with a grassroots effort by local business leaders. Meyer contacted Great River FCU President and CEO Brant Hicks, who quickly jumped on board with the two credit unions financing the meal initiative.
The community collaboration included Great River Bowl & Partners Pub, Bonanza Steakhouse, Sysco, Food Dudes, and Pathways 4 Youth, which were among the first to get involved. SCFCU said what started as a goal of 50 meals quickly gained momentum and provided 300 hot meals to nine locations.
“From a business perspective and with times being as tough as they are, it can be easy to look inward only, but we feel it is part of our mission at the credit union to look externally into our communities as well,” said Meyer. “It’s a win for all when we can support our local businesses while supporting a community need.”
Food Dudes delivered meals on Saturday to local organizations and shelters that support families in need. Pathways 4 Youth received the meals and helped identify eight additional organizations that also received meals.
“We will get through this together, and are proud of all the community leaders involved in this initiative working together to make a difference. The credit union industry philosophy is ‘People Helping People’ and we’re proud to partner with Great River Federal Credit Union in doing so,” stated Meyer.