Rob Schmidt/St. Joe Now

American Family Insurance employees enjoy a free lunch during the kickoff of the ‘Together We’re Fed’ program. ‘Together We’re Fed’ is a series of charitable events to assist America’s Second Harvest of Greater St. Joseph.

More than 800 employees at American Family Insurance enjoyed the nice weather with a barbecue and music on Tuesday.

The company kicked off its three-month campaign, “Together We’re Fed,” with America’s Second Harvest of Greater St. Joseph, at its regional office at 4802 Mitchell Ave.

“With our employees alone we can make a difference,” said Chris Listau, central region vice president of American Family Insurance.

Mr. Listau said hunger is a hardship affecting many people, and he was pleased to learn that so many of the company’s employees stepped up to volunteer for the campaign.

“People understand that there is hunger out there,” said Scott Tomhave, Second Harvest executive director. “And this is a great team working together. We hope this is the first step.”

Volunteers in the company are planning several events throughout September and October to collect donations and food for the local organization. Events are planned at Hy-Vee and Missouri Western State University.

Members of the community who wish to participate can donate or bring in food to Hy-Vee, Missouri Western, any American Family Insurance agent office or the regional office itself.

American Family Chairman Dave Anderson was also in St. Joseph to present a $2,500 check to Mr. Tomhave.

“We know how to cure hunger, and all it takes is effort,” Mr. Anderson said.

Jennifer Hall can be reached at jennhall@npgco.com.