ConAgra foundation gives $420,000 to 11 nonprofits

OMAHA, Neb. — The ConAgra Foods Foundation is giving $420,000 to nonprofits in nine states to help reduce child hunger.

The Omaha-based nonprofit is funded by the maker of Healthy Choice, Orville Redenbacher, and other branded food products. The 11 grant winners were picked from more than 325 applicants for their innovative approaches.

ConAgra Foods Foundation vice president Kori Reed says more than 17 million American children live in homes where they don't always know where their next meal will come from.

The winners will receive between $20,000 and $60,000 apiece. The grants will go to groups in Albuquerque, N.M.; Rocky Mount, N.C.; Washington D.C.; Memphis, Tenn.; Valdosta, Ga.; Saline, Mich.; Columbus, Ohio; New Orleans, La.; and Fresno, Oceanside and San Francisco, Calif.

ConAgra has local operations in Chicago and Glen Ellyn. Details about the projects are available online at www.conagrafoodsfoundation.org.