Hunger and food insecurity are no laughing matter – especially during the holiday season. But Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin hopes some funny can help them raise some funds during these important times as the food bank is teaming up with "Manitowoc Minute" icon Charlie Berens as the organization's official ambassador for its annual Food for the Holidays campaign.

Kicking off this week and running through December, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Berens encourage everyone to "say nOPE to hunger" this holiday season by donating to the food bank and in the process helping feed families in need. This year's campaign also emphasizes how a little can go a long way, with just a buck – no, not the majestic forest creature but a dollar donation – helping Feeding America provide four healthy meals to local families needing assistance. 

"We are incredibly grateful for Charlie’s support and partnership as our ambassador for Food for the Holidays,” said Patti Habeck, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin President and CEO, in a release. “With one-in-six children in Eastern Wisconsin not knowing where their next meal will come from, Charlie will undoubtedly bring more attention to the critical issue of food insecurity in our community."

Talking with local media members on Wednesday to help officially kick off the campaign, Berens talked why teaming up with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin this holiday season means something personal to him.

"When I first moved out to Los Angeles, it was the kind of thing where I had more money in my gas tank than my bank account," he said. "By no means was I actually going hungry, but I will tell you I was stealing the bagels at Bagel Monday after everyone was done with them. I was OK, but I was still very cost-minded when I was buying simple things like groceries. I was living in an expensive city, and I know that feeling. Again, I was not in a bad situation – I had a job at that point – but I was still trying to do that with food because expenses were high. 

"For folks who really can't put food on the table for themselves, much less for their kids, it's just a very basic need. And we all know how we feel when we've got nutrition." 

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To do your part to help your community and help make sure everyone has a meal this season, donate a buck or more at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin's website. There, you can find out more about the organization's mission and other ways to help as well. 

"Donating to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is kind of like sharing a good ‘ole Wisconsin casserole with the whole community," Berens said, in a release. "As we gear up for the holidays, let’s not forget there are folks out there who are really struggling to put food on the table. So, if you can spare a can of cranberry sauce, or a bag of tater tots, or whatever it is, why not spread some Midwest nice and make sure that everyone has reason to give thanks this season."

You can also help Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin's cause while you're doing your holiday grocery shopping these next two months. Running Nov. 5 through Dec. 25, Pick 'n Save customers can drop off non-perishable food items in the bins by the exits as well as round up their purchases, whether in a regular checkout lane or at a self-checkout station. 

Help families in need this holiday season. Donate to @FeedAmericaWI at the local @picknsavestores. Rounding up works too! Right, @leap36? pic.twitter.com/Soh44CRp3I — Charlie Berens (@CharlieBerens) October 30, 2023

For more information about Feeding America's holiday plans – and how to help the other months of the year, visit their website.