Continuous Improvement – Supporting Communities In Need

Four of our valued customers, Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix, have been in the news lately for supporting communities in need, and for purchasing and donating excess supplies of milk and produce.

Food suppliers have lost many of their usual buyers amid coronavirus-related closures of schools, restaurants and hotels. Issues in the supply chain have meant that farmers have been forced to dump thousands of gallons of milk, and unsold produce has gone to waste. At the same time, foodbanks are experiencing surging demand as many Americans struggle to make ends meet. According to Feeding America, an estimated 17.1 million additional people will experience food insecurity due to closures and rising unemployment.

Walmart worked with Feeding America to launch Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Through online donations, much-needed funds go directly to Feeding America and its nationwide network of local food banks that are meeting the increasing demand in their communities. And, with millions of Americans worrying about how they will feed their families, it’s a powerful way to help out.

Target has donated $3 million to support national nonprofits such as Feeding America and others, assisting with response and recovery for affected communities.

Through it’s expanded “Dairy Rescue Program,” Kroger is processing and donating dairy farmers’ excess milk – one of the most requested, but harder to stock items at food banks.

Publix is purchasing excess produce and milk from farmers in its operating area, and donating it to food banks. It donated more than 150,000 pounds of produce and 43,500 gallons of milk in the first week of the initiative.

Much like these brands, LES’ Value of Continuous Improvement drives us to be a best-in-class organization in every aspect of what we do. This is especially true when it comes to partnering with like-minded organizations and improving the communities we serve.

Well done, Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix!