Kum & Go partnership provides fresh meals
Kum & Go and Ozarks Food Harvest are partnering for a new food rescue program that began this fall. As the newest Retail Pick-Up partner, Kum & Go donates safe, prepared excess food to Ozarks Food Harvest’s partner agencies.
Items donated include breakfast sandwiches, hot and cold lunch sandwiches, salad and produce, fresh packaged bread and bakery items.
“As we continue to look for ways to reduce waste, help our communities and tackle hunger close to home, we are excited to get the program up and running,” said Derek Nelson, sustainability manager for Kum & Go.
This marks the ninth store in Ozarks Food Harvest’s service area to donate unsold food, with plans to continue expanding the program as new stores open.
From the existing stores participating in the food rescue program, Kum & Go donated almost 6,000 food items in the month of October alone.
“We are thrilled to partner with Kum & Go in their food rescue efforts,” said Esther Munch, Development Director at Harmony House, a Food Bank member receiving food from a Springfield Kum & Go. “The donation of fresh, healthy foods is welcomed by our residents and will make a wonderful addition to the meals we offer.”
Ten member agencies are currently picking up food, including Christian County Family Crisis Center, Community Kitchen in Republic, Crosslines in Joplin, Footsteps, Harmony House, Least of These, Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, Monett Community Kitchen, Salvation Army in Joplin and The H.O.U.S.E., Inc. More agencies will be added within the coming months.
To celebrate the partnership and the latest store grand opening, Kum & Go presented a $1,000 check to Ozarks Food Harvest.