CGI employees live their mission to "Feed the World" by donating 2,200 pounds of food and preparing approximately 7,000 meals for those relying on food assistance.
PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Columbia Grain International (CGI), a leader in the origination, processing, logistics, and distribution of high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds, and organics worldwide, this month participated in two employee volunteer events to give back to Oregon and Southwest Washington communities during Hunger Action Month. Hunger Action Month was launched in 2007 by the Feeding America network of food banks as a campaign every September to inspire action to end hunger in America.
"Partnering with the Oregon Food Bank and 9/11 Day teams to package food for our local communities was an absolute honor," said CGI President and CEO Kurt Haarmann. "We are committed to supporting the communities where we live and work by investing in organizations and initiatives that improve quality of life, strengthen agriculture and create lasting local impact, and these two volunteer events supported those efforts."
This summer, CGI donated 2,200 pounds of green lentils from the Plentywood, Montana, processing plant to Oregon Food Bank as part of the company's Community Giving donation. On September 3, Portland CGI employee volunteers helped package those same lentils for distribution, as well as 7,074 pounds of apples.
"Just last year, there were 2.9 million visits to food assistance sites across our network," said Oregon Food Bank Media and Engagement Manager Morgan Dewey. "Having CGI employees dedicated to giving back to our community by donating food and giving their time to pack meals is the collective action that will help end hunger and its root causes."
"The Oregon Food Bank event holds special meaning because it was an opportunity to bring the work we do full-circle by both providing and packaging food for those in need," said Haarmann. "Our mission to 'Feed the World' is not just what we do, it is who we are. CGI is committed to supporting local food banks and other hunger-fighting organizations in our communities. Food connects us across communities and cultures, and through our work we help make that connection possible."
On September 11, Portland CGI employee volunteers gathered to recognize the 25th anniversary of 9/11 for the 9/11 Day meal pack event. CGI joined over 800 companies and 50,000 volunteers across the U.S. in the effort to pack 20 million meals for those relying on food assistance.
"The 9/11 Day meal pack event was a particularly special time to do something good on a day marked with such great loss," said Haarmann. "It was an honor to pack approximately 7,000 meals to help support families in need throughout Oregon."
Company-donated food and employee participation in these two volunteer events supports CGI's ongoing dedication to giving back by supporting food security efforts across the U.S. and beyond.
"Participating in volunteer opportunities like these is part of our culture here at CGI," said CGI HR Director Tracie Hall. "It gives us a chance to build relationships and make a difference for the communities where we live and work."
About Columbia Grain International
Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Grain International (CGI) is a vertically integrated agribusiness that originates, processes, stores and distributes grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds and organic products for domestic and international markets. Founded in 1978, CGI operates across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and Nebraska. Its network includes grain elevators, processing facilities and agronomy centers that serve farmers and customers throughout the agricultural supply chain. For more information, visit www.columbiagrain.com.
Media Contact
Jennifer Langsam, Columbia Grain International, 1 503-535-4603, [email protected], https://columbiagrain.com
SOURCE Columbia Grain International
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