Authored by Maddie Sears, Communications Specialist and Courtney James, Manager, Government Relations at Darden Restaurants
Food insecurity affects nearly 48 million people in the U.S. annually and exists in every single county across the United States. Every September, Hunger Action Month unites communities, companies and individuals with a shared mission to end hunger by increasing access to healthy, nourishing meals.
One of those companies is Darden Restaurants, the parent company behind full-service dining concepts such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House and more. They’ve made a public, year-round commitment to using their scale to help end hunger by reducing food waste and empowering local food banks.
Increasing Access Through Transportation
For the sixth year in a row, the Darden Restaurants Foundation partnered with Feeding America® and Penske Truck Leasing to donate refrigerated trucks to food banks across the country for Hunger Action Month in September. Each truck — capable of carrying up to 12,000 pounds — will bolster food distribution and mobile pantry programs, expanding food banks’ capacity to serve their communities.
Since 2021, the partnership has resulted in the donation of over 60 refrigerated trucks to food banks across 26 states, enabling them to transport fresh and perishable foods more efficiently and reach families experiencing food insecurity.
Using Resources Responsibly
Darden Restaurants has more than 2,200 restaurants across the country. Through the Darden Harvest program, restaurant team members prepare and package surplus food at the end of each shift for donation to local charities.
Over the years, Darden has donated 152 million pounds of wholesome food, ensuring that nutritious food is redistributed and reaches the tables of families across the country — all while reducing excess food waste.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to use our scale to help fight hunger in communities nationwide,” said Stephanie Ghertner, Executive Director of the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation. “Whether you donate, volunteer or advocate, every action helps advance our shared mission to end hunger.”
How Local Leaders Can Get Involved
Local governments play an important role in strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to nutritious food. By convening stakeholders, supporting local nonprofit organizations and raising awareness of available resources, elected leaders can help build stronger, more resilient food systems.
Local officials interested in addressing food insecurity can engage with food banks, hunger relief organizations and community partners to identify needs and opportunities within their communities. They can also support volunteer efforts, participate in food distribution events and help elevate programs that connect surplus food with families facing hunger.
Darden Restaurants is proud to partner with local organizations across the country through food donations, community engagement and hunger relief initiatives. Local leaders who would like to learn more about the Darden Harvest program or explore opportunities to collaborate with Darden restaurants in their community are encouraged to learn more about Darden’s community impact resources (PDF) or connect with Darden’s Government Relations team.
Together, businesses, nonprofits and local governments can create meaningful solutions that reduce food insecurity and ensure more families have access to nutritious meals.
Visit the NLC Strategic Partnerships page to learn more about organizations like Darden Restaurants dedicated to making NLC the premier resource for local governments.
Learn More About Darden’s Community Impact
Read about Darden’s six-year effort to provide refrigerated trucks to food banks across the country.
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