SFB Donates $20,000 to Local Food Pantries through Grant Program

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Area food pantries will be able to buy more food for those in need in five area communities thanks to a donation from Security Financial Bank (SFB). Through a partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, SFB recently donated a total of $20,000 to local food pantries.

"We are committed to supporting our customers and communities, now more than ever. Through our partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, we are happy to help support area food pantries as they help feed so many in need during this uncertain time," said Paul Rudersdorf, SFB president & CEO.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago is offering a COVID-19 Relief Program consisting of zero-rate advances and grants to support all of its member institutions and the communities they serve in Illinois and Wisconsin directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this program, SFB received a $20,000 grant, of which they donated $4,000 to food pantries in each of their five markets including Durand, Bloomer, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls.

Food pantries receiving funds included:

• Bloomer - Bloomer/New Auburn Area Food Pantry
• Durand - Durand Area Food Pantry
• Eau Claire - Feed My People
• Ladysmith - Hope Lutheran Food Pantry
• River Falls - River Falls Community Food Pantry  

At the beginning of the year, SFB unveiled a year-long campaign entitled "Helping to Feed Our Communities" in an effort to try to help end hunger. The campaign involves bank donations and employee volunteer efforts to support local organizations that help those who are experiencing food insecurity. The Federal Home Loan Bank grant was a perfect opportunity to assist in those efforts. 

"We are grateful to have local food pantries and food banks in the communities we serve," Rudersdorf said. "At Security Financial Bank, we pride ourselves on helping our communities, and we were thrilled that we were able to help such worthwhile causes."