Sysco announced it will donate 2.5 million meals over the next four weeks as part of its community response strategy to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Company is closely collaborating with an array of critical stakeholders, from suppliers, customers, government entities and the non-profit sector, to address food insecurity and the added constraints on the food bank system during these challenging times.

Sysco’s response strategy is focused on working with its key national partners, Feeding America in the U.S. and Second Harvest in Canada, in support of food redistribution efforts across the supply chain in North America. The strategy has a four-pronged approach focused around product donations, delivery to foodbanks, providing additional storage and supporting development of a mobile distribution platform.

“The COVID-19 virus has impacted all of us - our associates, customers, suppliers and communities - in unprecedented ways. Issues related to food accessibility and increasing food insecurity of our most vulnerable populations are adding to the unease in our communities,” said Kevin Hourican, Sysco president and chief executive officer. “As an industry leader, we know that Sysco is uniquely positioned to help address those concerns and provide meaningful solutions.”

Currently, the Company is assessing product inventory systemwide that will be identified for donation, representing at least 3 million pounds of food which equates to 2.5 million meals; coordinating transportation and logistics support to address capacity constraints; and working to support mobile pantry and drive-through distribution models.

Hourican concluded, “Sysco is considered a critical infrastructure provider, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, and we have a special responsibility to maintain our business operations in times of national disaster or emergency. Our distribution centers remain open and our associates are diligently working to support our customers, suppliers and communities in this evolving environment. All other associates whose job responsibilities can be executed remotely are working from home.”

About Sysco
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 69,000 associates, the company operates more than 320 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 650,000 customer locations. For fiscal 2019 that ended June 29, 2019, the company generated sales of more than $60 billion.

Click here for more COVID-19 coverage and how it is affecting the refrigerated and frozen foods industry.