Addressing urgent demand at food banks during COVID-19

Convoy is hauling freight for any business that wants to donate a truckload of products to their local food bank

As we face the challenges of COVID-19 together, Convoy remains committed to supporting truckers and shippers across the country, as well as their broader communities. In an effort to address the growing food shortages facing millions of Americans impacted by COVID-19, companies like Land O’Lakes Inc are partnering with Convoy to donate critical items to food banks across the nation. Convoy will pay the freight cost for any business that wants to donate a truckload of products to their local food bank.

Traditionally, grocery stores have been a major donation source for food banks across the US, regularly donating excess inventory. However, as grocery stores grapple with panic-buying and empty shelves, their focus has shifted to restocking and adequately sanitizing grocery surfaces instead of organizing their typical donations to local food banks. Compounding the issue, school closures, job disruptions, and lack of paid sick leave contribute to the demands placed on food banks. The AARP found that more than half of American households (53 percent) had no emergency savings in 2019. When resources get tight, people without means tend to get squeezed the hardest.

This effort leverages the scale and reliability of Convoy’s nationwide Digital Freight Network. Convoy will book a carrier in our network and pay the truck driver for their services, at no cost to the shipper. This limited-time program won’t fully solve the needs of every community, but we believe every donation helps. The immediate impact of placing free food in someone’s hands is undeniable.

“The COVID-19 outbreak is making it difficult for food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens to fulfill their missions at a time when they’re needed the most. With our Digital Freight Network, we can immediately source high-quality drivers to move food donations to the communities where they’re needed most.”  

Dan Lewis, Convoy co-founder and CEO

Powered by our new collaboration, donations will be routed to Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States with over 200 food banks, which operate like warehouses, linked with 60,000 localized soup kitchens and food pantries. Wherever you are in the country, the closest Feeding America food bank is typically less than 40 miles away.  

Land O’Lakes Inc., one of the first businesses to participate in the program, plans to initially donate more than 1,300 cases of macaroni and cheese to South Michigan Food Bank in Battle Creek, MI.

“In this unprecedented time of crisis, finding innovative ways to immediately help our communities feels more important than ever. We are pleased to join forces with Convoy to share what resources we have with the people who benefit the greatest. We hope others in a similar position are able to take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive difference.”

Alex Brewin, Transportation Procurement,  Land O’Lakes Inc

According to Feeding America, these are items food banks are currently seeking that would go into shelf-stable food boxes:

• Peanut butter
• Squeeze jam or jelly
• Macaroni and cheese
• Canned protein (chicken, tuna, etc.)
• Canned beef stew (chili w/meat, etc.)
• Canned pasta (spaghetti ring, ravioli, etc.)
• Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, mixed veg, etc.)
• Canned fruit (peaches, pears, etc./ideally in water or juice)
• Quick oats
• Spaghetti sauce
• Canned soup (Chicken noodle, vegetable, tomato, etc.)
• Snack bars
• Cereal 
• Juice (apple, berry, etc.)

Businesses can email sustainability@convoy.com to coordinate a pick up with Convoy.

If you would like to donate a virtual truckload, you can donate directly on the Feeding America website here. Every dollar you give helps provide at least 10 meals to families in need.

SUSTAINABILITY AT CONVOY 

Sustainability at Convoy means driving positive environmental and societal impact to be a great corporate citizen. We are focused on reducing the billions of waste in trucking and supporting the communities where we live and work. Visit www.convoy.com/sustainability to learn about Convoy’s commitment to Sustainability.