As the COVID-19 pandemic forced hundreds of thousands of Americans to seek help from the nation’s food pantries, Dot Foods brought new meaning to its role as the nation’s largest food redistributor.
When COVID struck, Dot’s warehouses throughout the country were filled to capacity as the company prepared for one of its busiest seasons of the year. Business abruptly slowed, but the food kept moving—but instead of going to customers, it went to feed the hungry.
“Since mid-March, we’ve donated about 275,000 cases of product, or about $3.1 million worth,” said Suzy Parn, who heads Dot’s corporate charitable program. “In Mt. Sterling and at our distribution centers, we’re sending truckloads of good product to food banks around the country.”
These large food banks, in turn, distribute the free food to food pantries, which are the smaller, grassroots organizations that distribute food to families and individuals.
While Dot was providing truckload quantities of food to the food banks, it also wanted to give direct support to the people in its own community. This prompted the creation of the “pantry pick-up.”
Pantry Pick-Up
“It’s a pretty simple concept,” said Doug Hammer, director of the Mt. Sterling frozen warehouse. “We load good food items onto trailers, and the schools and pantries drive up, we bring them cases of product, and they load their vehicles and go home, where they then distribute the food to those in need.”
Over 50 agencies within Dot Foods Mt. Sterling’s 11-county charitable area have participated, bringing pick-up trucks, vans, and even school buses to pick up a great variety of items such as yogurt, frozen sandwiches, oatmeal, health drinks, chips, and snacks.
“We love seeing people coming in to pick up the food,” said Dave Collins, a shift manager who has helped at the trailers. “Even now when life is stressful, they’re here on their own time and are dedicating themselves to the people in their community.”
Social distancing guidelines are followed as much as possible, and since the pick-up is outdoors, it makes that a little easier.
“Providing food for food pantries is an ongoing challenge,” said Becky Pruden of Two Rivers Pantry in Brown and Pike Counties. “Since the Shelter in Place order was issued and as more and more families face the loss of a job or reduction in hours, we’ve seen an increase in those needing assistance. Dot Foods has helped greatly in our response to ensure all families are served and they receive nutritional food items.”
Pruden added that they are grateful for their partnership with Dot as everyone continues to face uncertain times.
Dot Foods has also participated in many area schools’ feeding programs since COVID-19 hit.
“We’re fortunate to be able to help,” said Parn. “With schools, pantries, and churches, so far we’ve given away about 12,000 cases of food, and we hope to host more pick-up events.”
It wouldn’t be possible without community members’ help, she said.
“What really makes this possible are the many people within our community who are dedicating themselves to getting food to those who need it,” Parn said. “We’re honored to partner with them to do this.”
Dot’s distribution centers throughout the U.S. are also providing food to their local pantries and schools by similar programs. Visit Dot’s #CaringForOurCommunities page for updates on Dot’s work within its communities during COVID-19.
Tracy Family Foundation Fund
The Tracy Family Foundation has established a COVID-19 response fund and invited recent grantees to apply for additional funding to help manage through this crisis. More than $260,000 has been awarded thus far.
“Many organizations have lost significant income due to canceled fundraisers and dwindling donations but still work tirelessly to meet community needs,” said Dan Teefey, TFF Executive Director. “It’s vital that all of us financially support and care for these organizations.”
The Tracy Family Foundation and Dot Charitable Program are both funded by Dot Foods. TFF was established by the Robert and Dorothy Tracy family, Dot’s founding family.
The Dot Charitable Program is managed by Dot employees. For more information on each program, as well as details about Dot Foods Mt. Sterling’s 11-county charitable region, see the Dot Foods’ Charitable Giving website page.