Helping to provide needy families meals during the holiday season is a hallmark of 96.3 WHUR. The radio station continued the tradition Tuesday, November 16th hosting its 43rd Annual Food2Feed radiothon, a 12-hour food drive to collect money and food in time for Thanksgiving.

WHUR listeners gave online at WHUR.com, stopped by the radio station’s Howard University studios with cash and checks, and even dropped off trunk loads of non-perishable food to pack a truck. Howard University student volunteers were on hand to collect the donations from motorists.

Listeners had an extra incentive to share this year. Those who came by the radio station to give with monetary or non-perishable donations also found themselves on the receiving end. Courtesy of Giant Food, listeners got a $5 Giant gift card. “I donate every year to Food2Feed because it’s simply the right thing to do,” said Stephanie Henderson from Fort Washington. “I was pleasantly surprised when I got a Giant gift card in return. I will be using that for some Thanksgiving shopping of my own.”

In addition to more than $500 in $5 gift cards, Giant Food also shipped in a donation of $3,000 to Food2Feed.   At the end of the day, donations topped $40,000. “WHUR listeners have always answered the call to assist their neighbors in need. It is heartwarming to see that even in the midst of the lingering pandemic the level of caring for others is amplified,” said WHUR General Manager Sean Plater.  “We are also thankful to our partner in goodwill Giant Food. Because of their constant support to the community, this year’s Food2Feed with extra special.”

The 2021 Food2Feed Radiothon took on an added sense of urgency as headlines continue to highlight the increasing level of need across the country and right here in the DMV. Statistics show many food banks have seen the request for food assistance in some cases double. “We’ve had person who use to donate to us now are standing in line in need of food to feed their families,” said Gwen Pope, Director of the Emergency Resource Center at Shabach Ministries, Inc.

100% of the tax-deductible donations to Food2Feed are split equally between the Capital Area Food Bank and Shabach Ministries, two non-profit organizations in the DMV working to provide equitable access to food to people struggling with hunger and food insecurity. It is estimated that for every $1 that is donated two meals can be provided to a needy individual.

The 43rd Annual Food2Feed Radiothon is part of WHUR’s larger “Season of Giving Campaign,” which includes a Children’s School Supply Giveaway in August, Children’s Coat Drive in October, and the Children’s Toy Drive in December. 2021 also marks the 50th Anniversary of the heritage radio station.