HelloFresh said it will increase its “Beyond the Box” program to support food banks as COVID-19 SNAP benefits expire across the country.
The company pledged to provide 100,000 additional meals across several of its brands this Spring to food banks and nonprofit partners around the country, an extension to its existing donation programs.
SNAP assists 41 million people suffering from food insecurity by providing them with a monthly benefit to use on food purchases. At the start of the pandemic, SNAP benefits were temporarily increased to help low-income families. The supplemental benefits expired this February meaning the average SNAP household has seen at least a $95 benefit reduction, with some decreasing more than $250.
“While an end to the pandemic is a welcome note, many families continue to face food insecurity, especially with record inflation contributing to higher food costs,” said Jeff Yorzyk, senior director of sustainability for HelloFresh U.S., in a statement. “Many people are turning to their local food banks to help fill the void—unfortunately some of which are not equipped for the influx. Our goal is to help our partners put healthy, nutritious food on the tables of as many Americans as possible in this time of need.”
The company is also adding a second temporary Community Fresh Market in Colorado to further support struggling families. This farmers' market-style distribution, hosted by Denver-based hunger relief organization We Don’t Waste, will be open bi-weekly from April through July, to whoever needs it and will provide a variety of fresh produce, proteins, and dairy items at no cost.
"This is a critical time for our community. With the reduction of SNAP benefits on top of rising inflation for food, we've seen food insecurity increase and demand for our programs has skyrocketed. We've seen a 63 percent increase in attendance at the Community Fresh Markets from this time last year. And seniors, experiencing an even greater reduction in benefits, have nearly doubled in attendance,” said Arlan Preblud, founder and executive director for We Don’t Waste, in a statement.
HelloFresh is donating 100,000 extra meals, including meal kits, ready-to-heat dinners, and nutritious sides to food banks including Table to Table in New Jersey, Second Helpings Atlanta in Georgia, Tarrant Area Food Bank in Texas, and St. Mary’s Food Bank in Arizona.
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