Earlier this month, Ace Relocation Systems of Orlando, an Atlas Van Lines agent, rescued 68,000 pounds of leftover food and beverages from the IRONMAN Florida triathlon. The race, which was originally supposed to be held in Panama City Beach, was relocated to Haines City due to the impact of Hurricane Michael.
If the thought of competing in a triathlon sounds exhausting, just imagine how the athletes must feel after crossing that finish line! IRONMAN has to make sure there are plenty of snacks and beverages available to help the participants refuel during and after the race. You might think that there wouldn't be much leftover, but you'd be wrong.
Luckily, Ace Relocation Systems volunteered to pick up all of the energy bars, bottled water, and sports drinks that the athletes left behind. A total of 35,500 pounds of bottled water was recovered and delivered to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Orlando. All of the leftover sports drinks and energy bars -- 32,500 pounds -- were delivered to the United Way of Northwest Florida in Panama City to assist people who were affected by Hurricane Michael.
“We love doing the heavy lifting,” said Craig Morreale, Director of Marketing for Ace Relocation Systems. “We wouldn’t have anything to lift, haul and deliver, however, if it weren’t for Move For Hunger’s amazing coordination and dedication to getting food into the hands of those who need it.”
Thank you to the crew from Ace Relocation Systems of Orlando for helping to reduce food waste and fight hunger. It's always important, but even more so during this time of great need.
Learn more about food waste in the United States, and what you can do to help.
