CH Robinson, one of the world's largest third-party logistics providers, and its recently rebranded produce division Robinson Fresh, have announced that they are utilising their strengths to support two nationwide hunger relief efforts in the US – Second Harvest Heartland and the AARP Foundation's Drive to End Hunger campaign.
In recognition of its effort, CH Robinson was presented with Second Harvest Heartland’s 2014 Hunger Hero Innovation Award for the company’s contribution to a large-scale agricultural rescue project. Through an innovative pilot programme, CH Robinson
helped Second Harvest Heartland boost transportation efficiencies and played an integral role in the shipment of almost 1m pounds of sweetcorn to participating food banks throughout North America.
Second Harvest Heartland is one of the largest, most innovative, and most efficient food banks in the US. As a member of Feeding America, a national network of more than 200 food banks serving every state in the US, the organisation relies on the support of its vast network of community partners, volunteers, and donors who are dedicated to this particular cause.
“With CH Robinson’s help we were able to improve on an important aspect of our business getting food to those who need it the most,” said Rob Zeaske, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. “CH Robinson received our Innovation honour because of their willingness and ability to go above and beyond to create new and effective solutions.”
Throughout 2013 and 2014, Robinson Fresh also used its fresh produce knowledge and brand power to promote AARP and AARP Foundation’s Drive to End Hunger campaign.
The initiative aims to raise awareness and funds to address the problem of hunger that exists among nearly 9m Americans who are 50 years or older.
CH Robinson sourced and shipped over 2.5m pounds of Tropicana clementines in specially designed packaging that featured the campaign’s spokesperson, four-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jeff Gordon, and raised over US$70,000 for the AARP Foundation.
“Since AARP and AARP Foundation launched Drive to End Hunger, the initiative has donated more than 20m meals and we couldn’t have done it without help,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation president. “We are so thankful for the dynamic support that we received from Robinson Fresh and how successful their unique model was in helping us raise awareness.”
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