Fighting Hunger Is Good Business

As more and more foodservice customers look to operators (and E&S suppliers) to exercise social responsibility, it’s time for industry professionals of all types to step up our efforts to fight hunger in America. Nearly 50 million Americans now face going without food and malnutrition on a daily basis, and with persistently high unemployment rates and cut-backs in social services budgets, the problem is only getting worse. This is an unconscionable situation, but one that equipment and supplies providers have the means to address.

As reported in today’s Latest News, one disposable wares supplier, Elara Foodservice Disposables, has initiated a “One Case • One Meal” donation program through which the company provides the cash equivalent of one meal to a food bank for each case of its products purchased by customers. To date, according Elara’s program has resulted in the funding of more than 100,000 meals to those in need. What’s more, at the upcoming National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago, the company will be extending the One Case • One Meal program to anyone visiting the Elara booth (#7852). As a special promotion at the NRA Show, Elara will donate a meal to someone in need for every attendee badge scanned by its representatives.

It seems obvious that other equipment and supplies makers should undertake similar programs to help end hunger in their communities. Even if such efforts appear to be unaffordable (and they shouldn’t, given how little money it actually takes to feed a hungry person), organizing periodic canned goods drives or volunteer labor programs at local pantries, shelters and food banks can make a significant difference. The point is, organizations and individuals in the hospitality industry should be in the forefront in the fight against hunger and those who step up to this challenge will receive well-earned appreciation from customers and the public. Everyone has a stake in this battle, but foodservice professionals, in particular, have the means at hand to ensure that more Americans receive the nourishment they need to contribute to society.