Recognizing the opportunity to address the food insecurity challenges that more than 41 million people in the U.S. faced in 20161, Pilot Flying J is proud to have partnered with Food Donation Connection (FDC) to donate wholesome, quality surplus food items from our stores across the country. FDC is an organization that works with food service companies to implement Harvest Programs, designed to reduce food waste and feed those in need.
Working together with FDC, an increasing number of our stores have been connected with their local food banks and shelters to make regular donations of some of our hot food items. Our partnership strives to combat hunger and reduce food waste in the areas we serve, donating food items like PJ Fresh pizza slices, burgers and premium breakfast sandwiches to local non-profit organizations. Each food item is carefully and safely prepared for donation by our team members in the stores and delivered to nearby agencies where it will be given to families in need of a warm meal.
“Pilot Flying J serves more than 1.2 million customers across North America each day, and we can serve so many more through effective food donations with the Harvest Program,” said Will Haslam, director of Giving for Pilot Flying J. “We are excited to partner with FDC to safely provide meals to those in need while reducing food waste, and continuing our commitment of offering fresh food options and high-quality meals for travelers on the road.”
This nationwide initiative between two Knoxville-based companies, Pilot Flying J and FDC, launched earlier this year and we have already donated more than 172,500 pounds of surplus food to more than 161 charitable agencies in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. We currently have 88 locations participating, and plan to expand the program to between 150-200 locations by the end of 2018.
“Food Donation Connection is proud to partner with Pilot Flying J to strengthen their commitment to helping their local communities,” said Keith Crowe, project manager at Food Donation Connection. “All qualifying unserved food can now be donated to charities, local to Pilot Flying J travel centers throughout the U.S. This program will help feed those in need and will divert wholesome food from entering the waste stream – creating a win-win for all involved.”
It’s partnerships like ours with Food Donation Connection that provide a positive solution to food waste and hunger challenges across the United States. Together, we will continue our efforts to repurpose otherwise wasted food products into delicious hot meals for hungry families.
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[1] U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Household Food Security in the United States in 2016,” Sept. 2017, https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=84972, in Economic Research Report No. ERR-237, p. 44;
