Western States Equipment Co. last week extended its Dump Hunger food drive an additional two weeks until Friday, Feb. 6, because of extreme weather in the northern part of the company’s territory.

The additional two weeks also allows Western States to partner with promoters from four Agriculture Shows in Pocatello, Caldwell and Twin Falls, Idaho, and Spokane, Wash.

The goal for the Dump Hunger food drive is to gather 75,000 pounds of food, enough to fill the bed of a Caterpillar 730 dump truck, the largest truck in its class. Through January 23, the 13 Western States branches have gathered more than 57,000 pounds of food (combining actual non-perishable food and monetary donations).

“The response from the community thus far has been incredible, and our employees have gone above and beyond to make this Dump Hunger food drive successful,” said Tom Harris, Western States’ president. “With the need in our communities greater than ever, we are doing everything we can to step it up, and get to the 75,000 pound goal.”

Through the remaining weeks of the Dump Hunger campaign the company welcomes non-perishable food donations at any of its branch locations in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Wyoming.

Monetary donations will also be accepted in a form of a check made out to the local food bank. Every $1 donated will represent 5 pounds of food. Western States will also match the dollar value of all the food collected, with a cash donation of up to $15,000.

For more information, including a weekly updated Dump Hunger tracking, visit www.westernstatescat.com.