Atlanta, GA – The Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) reports a collective annual donation of approximately $478,573 for food banks throughout North America, through in-kind food donations and direct monetary contributions. In a special effort during National Deli Salad Month (July), member companies committed to donating both monetarily and with in-kind donations as a collective effort to combat hunger in their own communities. Hands-on volunteer work was also encouraged.
The Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA), as an organization comprised of food manufacturers from throughout North America, felt compelled to challenge member companies to make a difference for the one in seven Americans who struggle to get enough food each day. This charitable effort was spearheaded by RFA’s Membership Committee Chair, Wendie DiMatteo Holsinger of ASK Foods in Palmyra, PA. Wendie states, “This charitable undertaking during Deli Salad Month really opened our eyes to the generosity and involvement of RFA member companies in their communities and our world. We heard so many heartwarming stories of dedication and advocacy at the grass-roots level, including one company’s drive that brought in 100 pounds of food and $360 in donations for local charities; donations for summer lunch programs for low-income families; and generous donations of partial cases and containers, food that would otherwise be wasted. I have never been more proud to be a member of the RFA.” Some RFA members serve on the Boards of local food banks and give not only money and food, but also time and commitment to address the issue of hunger.
$7,600 was donated directly to Feeding America through RFA’s Deli Salad Month fundraising page during the month of July, which constitutes the third largest Set the Table Campaign in the organization’s history. Feeding America is a nationwide network of food banks that focuses on encouraging and assisting people and organizations in the fight against hunger.
In the words of Anne Frank, “Hunger is not a problem. It is an obscenity. How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” The Refrigerated Foods Association’s members are humbly working towards making a difference where they can, in their own communities with what they have to give.
For more information on the Refrigerated Foods Association visit the website at www.refrigeratedfoods.org or call the Association Headquarters at 678-426-8175.
Source: Refrigerated Foods Association
