NAFEM launches Social Purpose platform

To help the one in nine people^[i] who may not know where their next meal is coming from, the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) announced a new, yearlong program to support the Feeding America network of 200 food banks located across the U.S.

“As foodservice industry leaders, NAFEM and its 600-plus member companies care about helping people in our communities, especially those who struggle with hunger,” said Kevin Fink, CFSP, chair of NAFEM’s Social Responsibility Committee and president, Standex Refrigerated Solutions Group. “That’s why we’ve focused our new social purpose platform on helping feed people in need.”

NAFEM donated $500,000, which helps provide about 5 million meals^[ii], to Feeding America at its Annual Meeting and Management Workshop in Miami. NAFEM also will match 2020 member donations, up to $500,000, to their local Feeding America member food banks, including the donation of volunteer time. This could result in overall contributions of $1.5 million to the Feeding America network of food banks in just one year.

“Hunger is an issue that impacts every county in the United States. We are thankful to NAFEM for its generous contribution to the Feeding America network and for its commitment to helping communities in need,” said Ami McReynolds, Feeding America’s chief equity and programs officer. “Through our partnership, we are able to help provide millions of meals to families who struggle to put food on their tables.”

There are 37 million people facing hunger in America, including 5.5 million seniors and more than 11 million children^[i]. As the largest hunger-relief organization in the U.S., the Feeding America network of food banks, pantries and meal programs serve virtually every community.

Together, NAFEM, its members and Feeding America will help make a difference in the lives of people and communities across the U.S.

About NAFEM
NAFEM is a trade association of 600+ commercial foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers. These businesses, their employees and the products they provide, support the food away from home market.

About Feeding America
Feeding America^® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

[i] https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/94849/err-270.pdf?v=963.1

[ii] $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.