Caterpillar gives $39K grant to The Foodbank to fight hunger locally

The Caterpillar Foundation is making a nearly $39,000 grant to The Foodbank Inc. to provide more than 233,118 meals to people who face hunger in the Miami Valley, according to a release Tuesday afternoon.

The Foodbank is one of 30 food banks selected to receive this grant, which helps support local hunger relief efforts. They are part of the Feeding America network.

“The Caterpillar Foundation has been a dedicated partner, helping to relieve hunger in the Miami Valley for over four years,” said Michelle L. Riley, CEO of The Foodbank. “The Caterpillar Foundation’s generosity is unmatched. With their support, The Foodbank and its network of partner agencies can continue to work toward meeting the needs of hungry families in Montgomery County.”

More than 120,000 people in the greater Dayton area face hunger, which includes 34,650 children, The Foodbank release said. The grant will be used to run the Mobile Farmers Markets, it delivers fresh produce and other food items to the neighborhoods in need.

“The Caterpillar Foundation supports programs that alleviate poverty in communities in which we live and work,” said Kathryn Karol, Caterpillar vice president and chairman of the Caterpillar Foundation Board of Directors. “We are proud to partner with The Foodbank to support individuals in Montgomery County who may not know where their next meal will come from.

“When people’s basic human needs are met, they are able to more effectively pursue economic and educational opportunities. And when they can do so, an entire community can benefit.”

Caterpillar Foundation has provided $3.9 million in county-level grants to Feeding America food banks since 2015. These grants also help food banks provide 10.5 million pounds of food in areas where Caterpillar employees live and work.

The Foodbank relieves hunger in the community through a network of partner agencies and donors to acquire and distribute food. Food and related supplies are distributed to various pantries, community kitchens, shelters and other charitable programs, according to the release.

Visit The Foodbank’s website on how to donate, or for more information, contact Lora Davenport 937-461-0265 ext. 17.

About the Author