4 Stevens Community Support Stevens Community Support

Stevens Supports the Community

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense pressure on food banks across the nation to increase the amount of food distributed to individuals and families who have been impacted by the economic fallout, in addition to those already food insecure. According to Feeding America, the largest charitable food assistance bank in America, roughly four out of every 10 people visiting food banks had not received food assistance prior to the pandemic.

“Hunger in this country existed long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has thrust more and more of our neighbors into food insecurity,” Feeding America’s CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. “Food banks are responding to a sustained, increased demand, but we are asking for the continued support from all of our community members.”

For forty years, Stevens has partnered and continues to partner with customers, shippers and receivers to donate products deemed “undeliverable” but acceptable by donation standards, to local food banks, soup kitchens, and religious organizations.

“One of my favorite parts of my job is seeing how much these donations help our many partners across the country,” OS&D Manager Robert Rodriguez said. “During these crucial times, these places can use all of the donations that they can get, and it’s very fulfilling knowing that my team, along with the driving force of Stevens, can be a small part of that!”

The Rock Food Distribution Ministry, one of the many community partners that Stevens regularly donates to, has been able to provide meals for over 500,000 people each year because of the countless donations provided by Stevens.

“This year has truly been the most pressing year for all food items, but especially meats due to the countless shortages and price increases, along with the losses of jobs,” Manager Bryan Schultze said. “With the support of Stevens Transport, we have been able to provide everything each family could need for a week, which provides them to use their resources on rent, utilities, and anything else they needed during these very uncertain times!”

Written by: Sidney Mireles