Ocean State Job Lot, a 116-store discount retail chain headquartered in North Kingstown, R.I., announces its 2015 “Three Square Meals” hunger relief program to alleviate the problem of food insecurity throughout the Northeast.
The program will distribute 109 tractor trailer loads of food throughout the year to 15 food banks, which in turn distribute to thousands of pantries, kitchens, and meal insecurity sites across six New England states, New York, and New Jersey. This marks the single largest food assistance program of its kind in the Northeast.
On Thursday, April 9, 2015, the first delivery of food will be kicked off with a convoy of 18 tractor trailer trucks loaded with approximately 630,000 lbs of nutritious, shelf-stable food, the first installment of nearly 3,270,000 pounds delivered throughout the year.
For the second time in the 12-year history of the Three Square Meals program, private businesses are sponsoring a truckload of food including Kellogg’s, Bank of America, Bob’s Red Mill, Polar Beverages, Arbella Insurance, and the Narragansett Lions Club. Shipping pallets for the deliveries were donated by Atlas Pallet. Job Lot’s Charitable Foundation is also teaming up with the New England Patriots Alumni Club led by former 12-year Patriots offensive player Pete Brock and 15-year quarterback Steve Grogan to “tackle hunger.”
Funds for Three Square Meals are raised annually between November and December through a combination of in-store customer donations at the register, contributions from the business community, and matching funds from the Job Lot Charitable Foundation. Job Lot then leverages its wholesale buying power and retailing expertise to purchase food at significant value. It also donates the operational support, delivery and other expenses to ensure that 100% of every dollar raised goes to the plate to help families and individuals in need. Items to be distributed include shelf-stable food such as pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and fruit, soup, canned tuna, dried beans, rice, and more.
Ocean State Job Lot Co-Founder Alan Perlman recognizes the contributions and generosity of the company’s valued customers. “Our Three Square Meals event is intended to bring attention to and help alleviate the growing hunger epidemic in our region,” he states. “We’re tackling the fight against food insecurity. Together with our customers and charitable partners, such as the Patriots Alumni and URI’s SNAP-Ed program, we can help to alleviate this hunger cycle. Every contribution, big or small, helps. For us, seeing our Three Square Meals program grow and inspire others to give is extremely rewarding.”
Hudson Valley News Network has shared a great story on the program, and the need for volunteers to help sort this donation here http://hudsonvalleynewsnetwork.com/2015/04/11/job-lot-sends-25000-pounds-of-food-to-the-hudson-valley/