In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fred Beans Automotive Group announced on Tuesday it has launched a 500,000 Meals Challenge and will pledge $25,000 a month through the end of the year to support hunger relief.
The “challenge” is for Fred Beans’ vendors, customers and employees who have the financial ability to provide an additional 100,000 meals by the end of the year. All Beans clients can contribute to the challenge by having their vehicle serviced or repaired by Beans with a portion of the bill going toward the fundraising. The donations will help Fred Beans hit its 500,000-meal goal.
“We certainly are navigating our own obstacles, as is just about every business, but we can’t wait to get fully back to normal before getting in this fight against hunger,” said Beans. “The need is way too great to wait. I know from my more than 45 years in business that nothing bad ever comes from doing right. I’m confident our business will be ok; we need to make sure our neighbors are ok first.”
The monthly donation from the automotive group will come from a portion of service, CARSTAR collision bills and online car sales as well as showroom sales once they can reopen.
Locally, the effort will benefit the Flemington Area Food Pantry, Fred Beans said. The pantry saw a 114% uptick in new clients since mid-March when the economic impacts of the pandemic intensified.
“We are humbled by the number of new families that have visited us during this time,” Jeannine Gorman, executive director, Flemington Area Food Pantry, said. “So many community members in the service industry are left with no income. With the community’s help, we will help alleviate the stress of hunger for anyone who comes to our doors.”
Fred Beans Automotive Group, headquartered in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, has 20 dealerships, 18 brands, six franchised CARSTAR collision centers, two AutoExpress locations, four AutoRent locations, commercial truck sales, and the largest dealer-owned parts operation in the country.
“The current health crisis has disrupted the workforce and the lives of so many people who are now finding themselves food insecure,” Gilbert said. “With more than 26 million Americans out of work, the organizations we are supporting are helping more and more people in this difficult time. We can make a difference to meet the growing need. If we challenge others who are in a position to join our effort, we can do even better together.”
