Everybody’s Got A Hungry Heart…

 Every year, millions of individuals make resolutions that are inextricably tied to food:  to eat more healthfully, exercise more, spend less, snack smarter.  In other words, people are looking to satiate a certain hunger of the heart and mind – to live healthier and smarter.  Unfortunately, news reports of charity and generosity pass from our attention too rapidly, and we forget an enduring and real hunger problem: people served by non-profits that are themselves in need. 

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Helvetica">In these recessionary times, the demand on shelters, after-school programs, missions, food banks, hospitals, nursing homes and other non-profit institutions has drastically increased.  Unemployment, housing crises, expiring benefits and other challenges have left more individuals and families seeking assistance than any time since the Great Depression.

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Helvetica">Despite its own business challenges, there is no question that the foodservice industry has proven its ability to fill needy people’s stomachs. Programs such as Share Our Strength and Feeding America continue to put food in the kitchens of social welfare organizations. yes">  Now, however, industry members promoting social good have another way to help beyond food donations. yes"> 

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Helvetica">As the economy continues to increase the number of people needing food assistance, how will nonprofits acquire necessary flatware, cookware and small wares? When dollars are insufficient to replace equipment a pre-school,  nursing home,  camp or orphanage can lose use of a range, a refrigerator or a dishwasher. So, who or what will fill the replacement gap?

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Helvetica">Just as food banks fill bellies, Cooking Up Better Lives (www.CookingUpBetterLives.org) fills kitchens and dining halls.  Vendors, dealers and the Excell Marketing and Procurement group created Cooking Up Better Lives to complement the proven charitable model of food donations. yes">  Local community agencies trust that restaurants, hotels and donors will fill stomachs, but do not necessarily know where to go to re-equip or expand kitchen and dining spaces.

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Helvetica">To fulfill its mission, Cooking Up Better Lives collects a growing database of equipment and supply inventory as well as non-profits’ E&S needs and wishes. This national “Craig’s List” includes has recently included requests from a senior center in Georgia, a women’s shelter in Houston and a preschool in Denver.  From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters, non-profits are making good use of reconditioned appliances, last year’s models of baking equipment and unmatched sets of small wares. yes">  True, cash is king and operational funds are needed to run each organization.  (You can donate to Cooking Up Better Lives by clicking here.)  But in the foodservice industry, equipment shines like the King’s crown, throne and court.  Cooking Up Better Lives, in partnership with the industry and generous donors, wants to treat non-profits like royalty.

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Helvetica">Do not wait until the “giving season” begins next Thanksgiving.  Don’t let the remaining  months of 2010 be seasons of want and hunger.  The foodservice industry has a collective ability to assist those most worthy of our help, year-round.  The commitment out industry has made to feeding people cannot be denied, and neither should our hunger to do well.