Help us celebrate our 15th birthday. Give Today

Blog

2024 Mid-Year Update: Five Million Meals Down

July 29, 2024

After a record-breaking year in 2023, where we provided over 8 million meals to those in need, Move For Hunger has set out to achieve even greater heights in 2024. With the unwavering dedication of our team, partners, members, and volunteers, we’re excited to share that we are on track for our most impactful year yet.

Midway through 2024, we’ve already provided over 5 million meals to those in need, demonstrating the power of our collective efforts and the continued importance of our mission. In August, we celebrate a significant milestone—our 15th anniversary. This milestone is a moment of reflection and gratitude as we acknowledged the years of dedicated service and the incredible progress made in fighting hunger. Here's a closer look at what we've achieved so far.
 

By the Numbers
  • 6 million lbs of food collected and delivered to food banks and pantries
  • 298 food banks delivered to, including 56% fresh food
  • 342 food drives coordinated 
  • 6.7 lbs of food recovered (destined for landfill)

 

Current State of Hunger

In 2024, hunger remains a pressing issue in the United States, with 44 million people experiencing food insecurity. This rise is largely attributed to cuts in food assistance programs and ongoing inflation, which have intensified the financial pressures on low-income families. The cost of essentials such as housing, transportation, and groceries has soared, making it increasingly difficult for many to keep food on the table.

Recent data from Feeding America reveals that the additional amount needed to cover food costs has reached a record high. Individuals reported needing an extra $24.73 per week, a nearly 10% increase after adjusting for inflation. The national need for food assistance has surged to $33.1 billion, reflecting a significant escalation in the demand for support.

Food banks and pantries are struggling to meet this heightened demand, with longer lines and greater urgency for aid becoming common. The expiration of emergency SNAP benefits has intensified the situation, underscoring the critical need for continued support and intervention to address this growing crisis.

Move For Hunger is actively responding to the hunger crisis by delivering meals to food insecure communities across the country. Our programs have distributed over 3.9 million lbs of fresh food and 1.8 million lbs of non-perishable items in 2024. Through food drives and meal-packing events, we have provided over 5 million meals this year. Our ongoing efforts, supported by a dedicated network of partners and volunteers, are crucial in addressing the growing demand and making a significant impact on food insecurity.
 

Hunger is at its highest levels since 2014 with no signs of stopping. We’re working harder than ever before to recover food for communities in need. We’re so grateful for all the companies, individuals, and volunteers who are working with us every day to reduce food waste and help those in need.
-
Adam Lowy, Founder and Executive Director of Move For Hunger. 

 

Team-Building for the Win

This year, we said we were going to double down on team-building and education events.  We've done just that!  

Companies such as Sodexo, Campbell's, Hello Fresh, and Kroger have all worked with Move For Hunger to provide their teams with meaningful ways to engage around the issues of hunger and food waste. 

If you're looking to plan your next team building event, let our experienced team help
 

Multifamily Program’s Continued Growth

Throughout 2024, we’ve maintained the momentum of our exciting in-person events! Our Multifamily Program continues to grow, and we’re excited to welcome a number of new property management companies this year, including: (list some big ones).

Property managers, residents, and industry suppliers have joined us in making move outs more sustainable and socially responsible while also finding creative ways to engage their residents and employees. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and commitment of our multifamily communities and partners. Your efforts play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and reducing food waste.

Want to get involved in our multifamily program? Learn more here.
 

Miles That Make A Change

This year our partner Assurant held their 3rd annual Miles to Meals Challenge, and helped us make an incredible impact. With 2,900 employees participating, they logged over 225,000 miles across 21 countries, and raised over $175,000 to help us fight hunger. Assurant and their incredible employees helped provide over 430,000 meals to those in need. Together we’re able to make the communities we serve a better place.


Logistics Makes the World Go Round

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Charity Freight network! Our growing network is working to rescue perishable and nonperishable food in bulk. 

In February, Kristy Ryan, COO of Move For Hunger is heading to the Manifest: The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics Is Here conference. She will speak with Mike Davis, CEO & President of CORT and Mark LaBrosse, Managing Partner & Owner, McClay's Logistics USA LLC, to discuss The Impact of Logistics Partnerships to Combat Food Recovery.
 

I'm excited to attend the Manifest Logistics Conference in 2025 to connect with industry leaders and explore innovative solutions in logistics and supply chain management. This event is a premier platform for discussing cutting-edge advancements and fostering collaborations that can drive significant improvements in our field. I'm particularly eager to engage with fellow professionals who are passionate about integrating social impact and sustainability into their operations, as these elements are crucial for creating a more equitable and resilient supply chain. Additionally, I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be speaking at the event, sharing insights on how these values can drive meaningful change in our industry and enhance overall business performance.
-
Kristy Ryan, COO of Move For Hunger

Continuing the Fight

We couldn’t make this kind of impact without our hard-working team. We are so grateful for their passion and dedication to fighting hunger. They ensure every day more meals are placed on the tables of those who need them most.

We’re so excited to wrap up the year with our busiest season and more meals. Thank you to our network who continues to show up and show out. 
 

Want to join us in the fight against hunger?

Visit our Take Action page to learn how you can help. Whether it’s hosting a food drive in your local community or making a donation today to support our mission, you can help us bring more meals to those in need too!