NorthStar Moving Company recently answered our challenge to participate in a large-scale food rescue in 2017.
On March 19, the 2017 Los Angeles Marathon gathered over 24,000 runners, forming the fourth largest marathon in the United States and the tenth largest worldwide. That means that the race organizers needed to order enough food and beverages for 24,000 exhausted and hungry runners after they crossed the finish line. At races of this size, there's always a lot of food that gets left behind. That's where our network can help.
NorthStar Moving rescued approximately 5,000 pounds of food -- that's the equivalent of more than 4,000 meals -- from the marathon and delivered them to the Valley Food Bank.
Nearly 1.4 million people, including 1 in 4 children, in Los Angeles County face hunger each and every day. Meanwhile, 40% of the food produced in the United States each year ends up in a landfill. Companies like NorthStar Moving are providing a sustainable solution to the problem.
“We watch the LA Marathon every year and it gives us great pleasure to be involved in a way that gives back to our community,” said NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm. “The fight to end hunger is a marathon, a race that needs to be won. Turning leftover food from this year’s marathon into food that will be on the tables of those in need, is an effort that makes a lot sense, a step in the right direction. We are always seeking out other events like this that we can do the same for. There should be no food wasted. Every step in the race to end hunger counts.”
One of our goals for 2017 is to have our network take part in more of these large-scale rescue events that can divert tens of thousands of pounds of food from the landfill and onto the shelves at food banks. Crown Relocations of Miami helped us open the year on a high note, as they were able to rescue more than 13,000 pounds of food/beverages from the Miami Marathon on January 29. And earlier this month, Gentle Giant Moving Company's Washington, D.C. branch sent a truck to Rock ‘n’ Roll D.C. Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, and 5K and were able to deliver nearly 21,000 pounds of food/beverages to the Capital Area Food Bank.
NorthStar Moving has been an amazing partner since joining the program back in 2010, so it's no surprise that they jumped at the opportunity to take part in this food rescue campaign. Through food drives, events, and other efforts, NorthStar Moving has collected over 33,500 pounds of food -- nearly 28,000 meals -- for their neighbors in need over the past 6+ years.
Thank you to Laura and the entire crew at NorthStar Moving for your commitment to fighting hunger and reducing food waste in Los Angeles!
Do you work in the relocation industry? Learn more about how you can join our network!
