Community
Darden Restaurants Partners with Feeding America® to Fight Hunger with New Food Truck Donations
In a commendable effort to combat hunger across the United States, Darden Restaurants has once again joined forces with Feeding America®, marking the fourth consecutive year of their impactful partnership. Through a generous $2 million grant from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation, the company is donating 10 refrigerated trucks to food banks nationwide, significantly enhancing food distribution efforts for communities in need.
Strengthening Food Distribution Programs
These 26-foot refrigerated trucks are designed to carry up to 12,000 pounds of food, allowing food banks to expand their mobile pantry programs and serve individuals and families facing food insecurity more effectively. The trucks will be delivered to important food banks including:
- Central California Food Bank (Fresno, Calif.)
- Coastal Bend Food Bank (Corpus Christi, Texas)
- Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (Elizabethtown, Ky.)
- Harvest Hope Food Bank (Columbia, S.C.)
- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (Raleigh, N.C.)
- Middle Georgia Community Food Bank (Macon, Ga.)
- Second Harvest of the Greater Valley (Manteca, Calif.)
- South Texas Food Bank (Laredo, Texas)
- Three Square Food Bank (Las Vegas, Nev.)
- United Food Bank (Mesa, Ariz.)
Rick Cardenas, President and CEO of Darden Restaurants, emphasized the company’s commitment: “Darden is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact in the movement to end hunger. By leveraging our resources, we ensure nutritious meals reach families who need them most.”
Addressing a Growing Need
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 47 million people in the U.S. faced hunger in 2023. The increased rate of food insecurity—13.5% of households—highlights the critical need for reliable food distribution solutions. The ability for food banks to deliver food efficiently and minimize waste is paramount in addressing this growing crisis.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, reflects on the significance of this partnership: “Hunger exists in every zip code in the U.S., and it can affect anyone. Our continued partnership with Darden helps strengthen our efforts to ensure food reaches communities where it is needed most.”
Consistent Efforts Over the Years
Since January 2021, Darden’s partnership with Feeding America has delivered 45 refrigerated trucks to 45 food banks across 21 states, substantially enhancing the capacity of these organizations. Not only do these trucks provide logistical support, but Darden’s Harvest food donation program has also been crucial in addressing food waste, channeling surplus food from their restaurants to local nonprofits.
Over the years, Darden has donated more than 140 million pounds of food, translating to over 118 million meals for those experiencing hunger. This landmark initiative demonstrates a profound commitment to reducing food waste while simultaneously providing nourishment to communities across the country.
Embracing a Future Without Hunger
Darden Restaurants showcases an inspiring commitment to philanthropy through its wide array of dining brands, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation has awarded over $110 million to non-profit organizations since its inception in 1995.
To learn more about Darden’s efforts and their partnership with Feeding America, you can visit Darden Restaurants and Feeding America.
Together, through these initiatives, Darden and Feeding America continue to take significant strides towards a future where no one in America goes hungry. As we collectively tackle the challenges of food insecurity, it’s clear that impactful partnerships are essential in building a more inclusive and nourished society.
SOURCE Darden Restaurants, Inc.: General
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Related links:
https://www.feedingamerica.org