The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) hosted its annual 100 Can Challenge this May. NASMM asked each of its members to collect 100 cans of food from clients, neighbors, friends, employees, and more to join the fight against hunger and food waste. NASMM is a national organization that provides moving services to senior citizens.
Practical Solutions, a member of NASMM based in Redlands, CA, went above and beyond by collecting 700 pounds of food. This massive donation provided more than 580 meals to those in need! All donations were delivered to the Redlands Family Services Association.
More than 221,000 people, including 1 in 5 children, in San Bernardino County are food insecure. Cathy Bates, the food drive organizer at Practical Solutions, was more than proud of their commitment to donate to their local food bank.
"We had no problem collecting 100 cans, plus a lot more," she said. "Our senior communities, in-home care companies, and even the storage units we work with were very generous."
Practical Solutions participates in Move For Hunger's efforts to fight hunger year round. The donations are especially important this time of year because food banks face their greatest need during the summer months.
"Each May, we host a food drive to help restock the charities when their food supply is at their lowest point," Bates said.
NASMM's food drive also helps shine a light on the problem of food insecurity among senior citizens, who are sometimes referred to as the "hidden hungry." One in 11 senior citizens faces hunger each day. According to research by Feeding America, 63% of senior citizens are forced to make the impossible decision between food and medical care.
Thank you to Practical Solutions, NASMM, and everyone who made a donation for doing your part to raise awareness and fight hunger in California!
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