HOUSTON, Nov. 25, 2019 – Sysco is donating $50,000 to the Houston Food Bank (HFB) to support the organization’s recovery efforts following the loss of nearly 2 million pounds of food after an ammonia leak in its refrigerated facility. In addition, Sysco has coordinated more than 200,000 pounds of produce donations from several of its suppliers, as well as approximately 40,000 pounds of donated turkeys -- just in time for Thanksgiving.
Sysco is also organizing volunteer events for its associates to assist next week at HFB’s warehouse to help break down pallets and sort produce and other food items currently being stored in refrigerated trailers.
“This loss of food comes at a time of great need for our neighbors at risk of hunger, and is further compounded by the fact that Thanksgiving is only a week away,” said Tom Bené, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “At times of crisis, the Houston community has a history of pulling together to help each other and this is no different. I am grateful for the efforts of the Sysco team members who have quickly organized a comprehensive approach to helping the Houston Food Bank get back on its feet.”
Sysco’s Houston operating company is also providing temporary use of material handling equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, to assist with the massive effort of restocking the food bank’s warehouse.
The Houston Food Bank supports 1.1 million Houstonians across 18 counties and Sysco is a longtime partner and one of its largest supporters, providing financial support, product donations and volunteers. In addition to a large annual financial grant, in FY19, Sysco donated a total of 524,985 meals to HFB. Every spring and fall, Sysco associates volunteer at HFB’s main facility and help distribute food at various mobile pantries around Houston as part of their annual volunteer efforts.
About Sysco
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 69,000 associates, the company operates more than 320 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 650,000 customer locations. For fiscal 2019 that ended June 29, 2019, the company generated sales of more than $60 billion. Information about our CSR program, including Sysco’s 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, can be found at www.sysco.com/csr2019report.
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Jerry Hereden
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