The Indy Hunger Network, a non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, has found a way to support truckers, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, and help those in need with their forward-thinking Food Drop program, which is successfully running throughout the state of Indiana.
Frequently, truck drivers will arrive at their destination with a load of food, only to have the delivery rejected due to damage to the food during transit, order errors, or other factors. Often, the only option for the drivers is to dump the delivery into a landfill, wasting hundreds of pounds of edible food and causing unnecessary waste.
Now, truckers passing through Indiana can use the program to connect with food banks that can put those unwanted products to good use. They accept sealed grocery items — whether fresh, dry, refrigerated or frozen — with original labels, as long as they are non-perishable and non-alcoholic.
The program is the brainchild of John Whitaker, executive director of the Midwest Food Bank. With a history of working within both the trucking and grocery industries, he had first-hand experience of the struggles drivers face when trying to dispose of unwanted food. Whitaker connected with the Indy Hunger Network, and the program was launched in 2017. More than 90,000 pounds of food was donated in the first six months alone.
A win-win for all involved, the truckers don’t have to pay landfill fees, and receive a tax deduction for the donated goods.
There are nine food backs across Indiana that have the capacity to accept large-scale donations; contact details and further information can be found on the Food Drop website.
Due to the success of this initiative, the Indy Hunger Network is considering expanding the service to other states.
Warehouse stores like Sam’s Club and Costco are the worst when it comes to wasting perfectly edible food. They’re afraid of lawsuits, so they toss out fresh food by the dumpster loads. They also allow customers to return food, then the food is dumped.
Disgusting that people can just reject food orders.
They have not been hungry in their life and we are the people making these shops and producers rich by supporting them.
God bless our truckers. We pray for you. And your loving care and concern for the hungry is a blessing for all. God bless you.
About time. It shouldn’t have taken a rocket scientist to realize that this wastage is STUPID, and that there are people in need who can benefit by it. Congrats Indiana. And to the rest of the states – WAKE UP.
IT IS A COMMON SENSE , THINK YOUR HUNGER FELLOW!!!! EVERY WESTERN COUNTRY SHOULD DO THAT!!!
Since this must be handled on a state by state basis, let’s each reach out and see what can be done locally.
What a great idea. I hope that ALL countries adopt this program like they said it’s a win-win for everyone.
Thank you Truckers !
What a great idea
This is great!
Well done!
Fantastic idea I am all for recycling. There is so much food waste! Why not give the surplus to those who have none. Compliments to these men!!