HOUSTON, TX - Leadership is not a trait that is easily gained. It is often something that requires an immense amount of dedication, and it’s something that is not lost on Sysco, a company breathing new life into the term “leadership” as of late. Donating over 13.5 million meals over the last four weeks, Sysco is among the fierce leaders aiding our industry during this unprecedented time.

“We’re pleased to be able to contribute so significantly at a time of unprecedented need. Once our team activated its product donation strategy, they worked to quickly refine and implement the broad-based approach allowing us to provide millions of meals to vulnerable citizens across the communities we serve,” said Neil Russell, Vice President of Corporate Affairs.

Working closely with suppliers, customers, and government entities, along with key partners like Feeding America in the U.S., Second Harvest in Canada, and FareShare in the U.K. and Ireland among others in Europe, the company continues to find new ways to address increasing food insecurity and the added constraints on the supply chain and food systems.

As stated in a press release, Sysco’s four-pronged community response strategy supports food redistribution efforts across the global supply chain, including product donations, direct delivery to food banks, and other hunger relief organizations, the loaning of refrigerated trucks and facility storage space to increase capacity for local food distribution, and volunteer and staffing support for mobile distribution efforts.

“I am incredibly proud and inspired every day by the partnership, innovation, agility, and compassion our associates around the world continue to demonstrate during this time of crisis,” Russell concluded. “Our ability to think creatively and act quickly has enabled us to support and respond to our customers and communities in the most dynamic and helpful ways.”

In the coming days and weeks, the company will continue to assess product inventory system-wide that will be identified for donation, coordinate transportation and logistics support to address capacity constraints, and support mobile pantry and drive-through distribution models.

ANUK will continue bringing you our industry’s latest news as it pertains to the fresh produce, retail, and foodservice sectors.

Sysco