The Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation’s $20,000 Grant Allows Feeding South Florida™ to Increase the Number of Volunteers and Improve Children’s Programs, Allowing Service to More Individuals Facing Food Insecurity

Pembroke Park, Fla. – July 16, 2016 – With a $20,000 grant awarded by Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation in July 27, 2015, Feeding South Florida® was able to hire an additional associate to assist in their sort room, allowing another full-time team member to focus on food safety, as well as provide support for children’s programs. This additional team member assists with sanitation, restocking of product, volunteer engagement, and ensuring program product is packaged properly into School Pantry Boxes, Snackpacks, and Backpacks.

Feeding South Florida is proud to share that with the support of this additional team member, the food bank passed its AIB audit this spring. Additionally, as we close out the fiscal year we can report a continued increase in the number of volunteers in our sort room. Feeding South Florida had a 50% increase from last year’s 12,850 volunteers to 19,286 volunteers this fiscal year.

Along with this increase of volunteers, Feeding South Florida has seen a 10% increase in recovered pounds coming through our sort room, while maintaining a high level of food safety thanks to our additional team member.

“Feeding South Florida is incredibly happy to share that we have seen an increase in volunteers due to their experience in our sort room, which is a clean, friendly, well-run environment.” said Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida. “We are extremely thankful to the Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation for this grant – it has already made a great difference in the lives of many individuals facing food insecurity in South Florida, and those who help us serve them.”

The Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation grant is based on the desire of The Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation to support Child Hunger Programs and Food Safety Efforts in the communities in which they have a presence. Seven grants were awarded at $20,000 each to seven Feeding America™ food banks.

As a food company, The Schwan Food Company and the Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation feel a deep responsibility to help support people in need of nutritious meals. That’s why they partner with Feeding America, the leading non-profit hunger organization in the United States, and its affiliated food banks to end hunger.