EDEN PRAIRIE, MN (September 22, 2014) — As one of the world’s largest third-party logistics companies with over a century of experience working with fresh produce, C.H. Robinson and recently rebranded produce division, Robinson Fresh®, utilized their inherent and unique strengths to support two important nationwide hunger-relief efforts.
In recognition of a unique and collaborative effort, C.H. Robinson was presented with Second Harvest Heartland’s 2014 Hunger Hero Innovation Award for the company’s contribution to a large-scale agricultural rescue project. Through an innovative pilot program, C.H. Robinson helped Second Harvest Heartland boost transportation efficiencies and played an integral role in the shipment of almost one million pounds of sweet corn to participating food banks throughout North America.
Second Harvest Heartland is one of the largest, most innovative, and most efficient food banks in the United States. As member of Feeding America, a national network of more than 200 food banks serving every state in the United States, the organization relies on the support of their vast network of community partners, volunteers, and donors who are dedicated to this particular cause.
“With C.H. Robinson’s help we were able to improve on an important aspect of our business -- getting food to those who need it the most,” said Rob Zeaske, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. “C.H. Robinson received our Innovation honor because of their willingness and ability to go above and beyond to create new and effective solutions.”
Throughout 2013 and 2014, Robinson Fresh® used its fresh produce knowledge and brand power to promote AARP and AARP Foundation’s Drive to End Hunger campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness and funds to address the problem of hunger that exists among nearly nine million Americans who are 50 years or older
C.H. Robinson sourced and shipped over 2.5 million pounds of Tropicana® clementines in specially designed packaging that featured the campaign’s spokesperson, four-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jeff Gordon, and raised over $70,000 for the AARP Foundation.
“Since AARP and AARP Foundation launched Drive to End Hunger, the initiative has donated more than 20 million meals and we couldn’t have done it without help,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation president. “We are so thankful for the dynamic support that we received from Robinson Fresh and how successful their unique model was in helping us raise awareness.”
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About Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland is one of the nation’s largest, most efficient and most innovative food banks. In 2013, we delivered more than 65 million meals to nearly 1,000 food shelves, pantries and other agency partner programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Second Harvest Heartland helps relive hunger not only by sourcing, warehousing and distributing food, but through data-driven thought leadership and community partnerships that help improve the region’s larger hunger relief system. For more information, visit 2harvest.org or call 651.484.5117.
About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income, and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people, strengthen communities, work more efficiently and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated charity. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.
About C.H. Robinson
Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson is a global provider of multimodal logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services to 46,000 customers through a network of more than 285 offices and over 11,500 employees around the world. The company works with 63,000 transportation providers worldwide. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and has annual revenues of over $12.8 billion in 2013.
Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson and its employees contribute millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Health Charities, American Red Cross, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, and Global Impact. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit http://www.chrobinson.com.
About Robinson Fresh®
Robinson Fresh got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of North America. Today, Robinson Fresh is one of the largest produce companies in the world and offers the highest quality products. Robinson Fresh packs in many well-known private label and consumer brands as well as a full line of conventional and organic produce through a worldwide network of regional and local growers. For more information about Robinson Fresh, visit http://www.robinsonfresh.com.
