GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Attendees visiting the Kawasaki Engines display at this year’s GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky., helped the company bolster its contribution to FEEDING AMERICA to a level 15 percent above that achieved during the company’s initial effort at the trade gathering in 2018. Funds to provide more than 103,000 meals were generated at this year’s event. The donation marked the company’s new membership in FEEDING AMERICA ENTERPRISE SOCIETY, a group of businesses committed to the hunger relief organization’s vision of a hunger-free America.

Karen Howard, Kawasaki’s director, dealer sales support and marketing, said “we’re all heartened by the support shown by the industry and take great pride in the contributions we have collectively made.” Last year was Kawasaki’s initial involvement with Feeding America, prior to joining the organization’s Enterprise Society. She said “our broadened commitment to FEEDING AMERICA means that Kawasaki will continue to integrate the values expressed by the organization as we play a role in helping to generate financial support on a long-term basis.”

Funds to pay for the meals were uniquely generated by GIE attendees visiting various information stations within the Kawasaki display. At the conclusion of the process, attendees proudly signed donation recognition cards and Kawasaki provided FEEDING AMERICA with a $5 donation for each person.

Howard said, “This represents a very fulfilling way for Kawasaki to use the GIE platform to educate show attendees about our engines, accessories, and programs.”

FEEDING AMERICA, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, works through more than 200 local food banks around the country to help reduce food insecurity in the United States. According to the organization, in 2018 14.3 million American households were food insecure, with limited or uncertain access to enough food. Households with children form the core of those likely to experience food insecurity.