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Darden Restaurants' Initiative to Fight Hunger

In a powerful demonstration of commitment to social responsibility, Darden Restaurants is celebrating a significant milestone: five years of collaboration with Feeding America to combat hunger across the United States. This initiative has included a donation of trucks to local food banks, enhancing their ability to distribute food and support communities in need.

Since January 2021, Darden has contributed to this worthy cause by providing a total of 54 refrigerated food trucks to 54 food banks in 23 states. This year, thanks to an impressive grant of $2 million from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation, alongside support from Penske Truck Leasing, nine additional food banks will receive new 26-foot refrigerated trucks. These vehicles, which are capable of carrying up to 12,000 pounds of perishable food, will help tackle the critical issues of food insecurity and food waste in communities most affected by hunger.

An Urgent Need to Address Hunger

The statistics surrounding food insecurity in the U.S. are staggering. As of late 2024, nearly 65% of food banks reported an increase in the number of individuals seeking assistance compared to the previous year. The situation is even more dire for families with young children, with over one in three adults surveyed admitting that they faced challenges in obtaining enough food. In total, around 47 million people across the U.S. were impacted by food insecurity, highlighting a pressing need for effective solutions.

Rick Cardenas, the President and CEO of Darden Restaurants, expressed the transformative impact that the food trucks have had in communities served by food banks. “Five years into this effort, we've seen how a single truck can transform the way a food bank serves its community,” he noted, recognizing the essential role that these trucks play in ensuring food reaches those who need it most.

Collaborative Efforts with Feeding America

Darden's partnership with Feeding America spans 15 remarkable years, during which they have worked tirelessly to lessen food insecurity throughout the country. The ongoing initiative not only aims to provide logistical support through truck donations but also targets the efficient redistribution of surplus food from Darden's restaurants. Through their Harvest program, the company redirects surplus food to non-profit organizations, preventing waste and ensuring that nourishing foods are delivered to families in need. Over the years, Darden's generous contributions have amounted to an impressive 148 million pounds of food, cementing their reputation as a community-focused corporation.

Linda Nageotte, President and COO of Feeding America, praised Darden Restaurants for their unwavering commitment. “We can end hunger when we all work together,” she stated. This sentiment echoes the essence of community contribution, where partnerships like these make a tangible difference.

Looking Ahead

As food banks continue to face unprecedented challenges in meeting the rising demand for services, the support of organizations like Darden Restaurants cannot be overstated. Their donation of refrigerated trucks ensures that food banks can transport perishable items swiftly and effectively, allowing them to serve those in need without delay.

The future looks promising as Darden Restaurants and Feeding America work hand in hand toward a common goal: a world where no one has to go hungry. While the fight against hunger is far from over, the milestones achieved and the lives impacted by these donations reveal the powerful changes that can happen when businesses choose to prioritize social responsibility. For more information about their ongoing efforts and to learn how you can contribute, check out Darden Restaurants’ official website and the initiatives led by Feeding America.

About Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants is renowned for its portfolio of successful full-service dining brands, which include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and more. The company’s commitment to community service through the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation is evident in its philanthropic efforts to support food security and nutrition across the nation.

For more information on this initiative or to learn more about the support provided to local food banks, visit Darden Restaurants and Feeding America.