FeedMore WNY receives new refrigerated truck
FeedMore WNY’s commercial fleet grew a little larger on Tuesday, September 15 thanks to a new refrigerated truck donated by Penske Truck Leasing and the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation in partnership with Feeding America.
The new 26-foot refrigerated truck is one of seven trucks Darden and Penske gave to food banks and food security organizations throughout the United States this year at a value of $2 million in total.
The truck donation is yet another special event recognizing Hunger Action Month, in which companies and charities both focus on efforts addressing food insecurity throughout the United States.
Collin Bishop, vice president for external affairs at FeedMore WNY, said the new truck will be the 13th in the fleet and will be critical in helping us provide much-needed food resources to our neighbors.
“We need more trucks like this,” Bishop said. “This is going to be a huge asset for us. We all know how critical is it for all our neighbors across our four-county area to have access to healthy food, and to make sure that children, seniors, veterans and anyone who is in need of nutritional support has access to the food they need.”
Darden Restaurants, whose brands include Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, have partnered with Feeding America through its charitable foundation since 2012. They have donated a total of sixty trucks to local food banks across the country over the past six years.
The grant from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation provided not only the truck but operational support as well.
“We can bring food to our partner agencies, food pantries, soup kitchens as well as mobile distributions where we’re providing perishables,” Bishop said. “A refrigerated truck is so critical to doing that work. Life is so much easier when you’re well fed.”
Elena Hingston, assistant district manager for Penske Truck Leasing, said as a local resident she is proud of Penske’s support of our operations.
“I live and work in the Buffalo community so it’s especially meaningful for me to have this in our backyard,” Hingston said. “We are proud to support FeedMore WNY and work they’re doing to fight food insecurity.”
Mo Sumbundo, senior director of community relations for NYS Governor Kathy Hochul’s Western New York office, said the truck donation represents a public and private effort alleviating food insecurity throughout New York state and the country as a whole.
“In this current economy, the need for food stability has never been greater,” Sumbundo said. “This truck represents hope, help and dignity for thousands of our neighbors. In New York State, we will always provide for our people. This truck is ready to roll.”
Click the link below for information on how you can support FeedMore WNY’s mission to feed our neighbors in Western New York.