Oct. 29, 2021

Giving Back recognizes businesses and organizations that are helping our communities. Here’s a look at who gave back for October.

Raven Industries

South Dakota Mines’ electrical engineering department has received $150,000 from Raven Industries to support the university’s new minor in avionics. The gift endows a Raven Aerostar scholarship to support students in the avionics program. It also allows the department to buy equipment for improved design, test and prototyping capabilities for high-speed electronic circuits needed in aircraft and space avionics applications. Raven’s Aerostar division is the global leader in stratospheric balloon technology, and its platforms are used for near-space applications in aerospace, defense and scientific research.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee’s End Summer Hunger campaign raised $90,000, which equals 900,000 meals for Feeding America-affiliated food banks. For every purchase of specific products at Hy-Vee grocery stores in July, Kellogg’s, Keurig Dr Pepper, Chobani and Hy-Vee donated money to provide one meal to families in need.

In another campaign, Scan Out Hunger, Hy-Vee is joining with customers, suppliers and community partners to raise funds for Feeding America with a goal of raising $500,000, which equates to 5 million meals. The initiative across the grocery store’s eight-state region runs through Dec. 31. In addition to customer donations, which can be made through the new “H” QR code for marketing efforts and Hy-Vee’s reimagined website, Hy-VeeDeals.com,  the company is donating $150,000 and seeking similar corporate donations from national food manufacturers and suppliers.