US Foods is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to supporting hunger relief for military families.
A lot of money.
The nationwide food distribution company has donated $250,000 to the Military Family Advisory Network as the first step in partnership between the two organizations. MFAN is a nonprofit that uses its network to connect military families with resources they need.
For many military families, food insecurity is a top-of-mind concern.
“MFAN’s latest survey shows that those who moved within the last two years (41.1%) and active-duty families (21.5%) are among those most commonly experiencing food insecurity,” according to Shannon Razsadin, CEO for the Military Family Advisory Network. “Thanks to generous partners like US Foods, we are providing dignified support through innovative, scalable and measurable solutions.”
The donation from US Foods is part of the company’s “Helping Communities Make It” program, which uses hunger relief, culinary education and disaster relief programs to help communities in need.
While this is the company’s first foray into this kind of partnership, it has a litany of programs to help their employees who have served, or who are serving, in the military.
The company’s seven-year partnership with the Hire Purpose specifically supports the recruitment of transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. In addition, the company’s “Those Who Serve” Employee Resource Group offers networking and professional development opportunities for veteran colleagues.
The Rosemont, Illinois-based company partners with approximately 250,000 restaurants and foodservice operators in addition to 70 broadline locations and approximately 90 cash and carry stores.
CEO Dave Flitman said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“At US Foods, we are uniquely positioned to harness the power of food to empower communities in need with nourishment and opportunity,” he said. “I am particularly proud to expand our efforts to support the military community, which makes immeasurable sacrifices for our freedom.
“We are honored to partner with an innovative and deeply committed organization like MFAN, and I look forward to our future collaboration.”
The partners are taking a two-pronged approach in helping military families alleviate their food insecurity.
- MFAN will distribute 500 “Pantry Restock Boxes” per month for military families. Restocking the food pantry after a move is one of the significant expenses for military families. The box will contain items they need to help them get started in their new home. Each box will also contain a QR code the family can use to learn more about their new neighborhood and also to allow MFAN to learn about their needs.
- MFAN will distribute Instacart Health Fresh Funds stipends. Families can use these stipends to purchase nutritious food and other essentials from the local retailer of their choice. The Fresh Funds can also be used to cover delivery costs.
