Convoy taking steps to help those dealing with food shortages, due to COVID-19

At a time when United States-based food banks are facing major supply issues, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Seattle-based digital freight broker Convoy said today it is rolling out a sustainability program initiative geared towards improving that situation through a partnership with shippers that want to donate a truckload of product to their local food bank.

In short, Convoy said that through this partnership it will cover the trucking costs for any U.S.-based business that decided to take part in this effort, as the growing food shortages are affecting millions of Americans impacted by COVID-19.  

“The COVID-19 outbreak is making it difficult for food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens to fulfill their missions at a time when they’re needed the most,” said Dan Lewis, Convoy co-founder and CEO, in a statement. “With our Digital Freight Network, we can immediately source high-quality drivers to move food donations to the communities where they're needed most.”

Data from Feeding America, a Chicago-based nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community-based agencies, which was cited by Convoy, showed how more than 54 million Americans are currently food insecure. And Convoy noted that while grocery stores have traditionally been a major source for food donations and regularly contribute excess inventory, grocery stores are now dealing with panic buying and empty shelves. This situation, has, in turn, led to a change in focus on things like restocking and adequately sanitizing grocery surfaces, rather than organizing donations to local food banks. What’s more, Convoy said that, according to Feeding America estimates, the costs of buying food to offset the decline in donations and in the volunteer labor force is around $1.4 billlion.

As for how this initiative works, Convoy explained that it leverages Feeding America’s network of 200 centralized food banks and 60,000 localized soup kitchens and pantries, with participating shippers reaching out to Convoy with a full truckload donation and are matched with a food bank or soup kitchen, usually within 40 miles or less of their facility.

At that point, Convoy’s Digital Freight Network then finds, books, and pays a truck driver to deliver the goods to that local food bank. Convoy said In addition to helping shippers support their local communities, this program also provides truck drivers with work to deliver the much-needed donations.

One of this initiative’s first participating shippers is Land O’ Lakes Inc., whom Convoy said will donate more than 1,300 cases of macaroni and cheese to the South Michigan Food Bank based in Battle Creek, Mich.  

“In this unprecedented time of crisis, finding innovative ways to immediately help our communities feels more important than ever,” said Alex Brewin, Transportation Procurement, Land O’Lakes Inc., in a statement. “We are pleased to join forces with Convoy to share what resources we have with the people who benefit the greatest. We hope others in a similar position are able to take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive difference.”

Convoy officials said that customers interested in this program can contact their account manager, and shippers not working with Convoy can send an e-mail to [email protected].

Feeding America said that food banks are looking for the items below for shelf-stable food boxes:

• Canned protein (chicken, tuna, etc.)
• Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, mixed veg, etc.)
• Canned fruit (peaches, pears, etc./ideally in water or juice)
• Canned soup (Chicken noodle, vegetable, tomato, etc.)
• Canned beef stew (chili w/meat, etc.)
• Canned pasta (spaghetti ring, ravioli, etc.)
• Peanut butter
• Squeeze jam or jelly
• Macaroni and cheese
• Quick oats
• Spaghetti sauce
• Snack bars
• Cereal 
• Juice (apple, berry, etc.)