Meridian, Idaho-based Western States Equipment Co., in partnership with local food banks in four states, last week concluded the Dump Hunger campaign. The campaign, which began Dec. 22, gathered more than 116,000 pounds of food — surpassing its goal of 75,000 pounds. The food gathered from Western States’ 11 locations filled the bed of a Caterpillar 730 dump truck, which is capable of holding 75,000 pounds, and half the bed of an additional truck.

"Few thought that we would be able to reach even the goal of 75,000 pounds, but our employees brought all their passion to this effort and we exceeded the expected," said Western States' president Tom Harris.

In all, Western States will distribute the equivalent of 116,837 pounds of food to food banks in Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon. Western States in Missoula led the drive, gathering the equivalent of almost 29,000 pounds of food.

Over the Dump Hunger campaign Western States Equipment gathered donations from employees, customers and the general public. Western States also matched the dollar value of all the food collected, with a cash donation of up to $15,000. "In a perfect world, we'd only have to do this once," said Harris, "but we're already gearing up for next year's campaign. We may even need to bring in a CAT 773 to carry all of the donations."

With more than 70 years experience in the logging, mining and construction industries, Western States Equipment is an authorized Caterpillar dealer for five mountain states with 11 general line and truck engine branches and 11 Cat Rental Stores located in Idaho, western Wyoming and Montana, and eastern Oregon and Washington. For more information on the Dump Hunger campaign visit westernstatescat.com.