The holiday season is here, and with it comes the familiar hustle and bustle in the air, festive store displays, and the warmth of giving. Alongside the celebrations, however, come questions and pressures that fill our schedules: “Who’s hosting this year? Should we travel? Are the kids ready for their winter break?”
We make decisions left and right every day. However, some choices weigh heavier than others. For many, the question of: “Can I afford to put food on my table this week?” is not as uncommon as you’d think. Shockingly, 1 in 8 Americans struggle with food insecurity, including 1 in 6 children.
“Food drives are integral to how we feed our neighbors, providing items like canned vegetables, rice, pasta, peanut butter, and cereal – foods grocery store donations rarely supply. Your support helps local food pantries nourish families in 11 counties across North Alabama. Thank you for feeding hope.”
– Christi Garris, Volunteer Coordinator, Food Bank of North Alabama
Recognizing this need, we were inspired to act, creating Vans4Cans, our annual food drive, in partnership with local food banks to deliver essential meals and hope to neighbors in need.
The concept is simple: When our technicians make service calls, customers can join the fight against hunger by donating canned goods and non-perishable food. Alternatively, people can give virtually at leecompany.com/vans4cans, and every $1 donation supplies four meals. We’ve heard countless stories about the generosity of our customers, and it’s been truly inspiring!
“Through Vans4Cans, Lee Company and its customers have helped provide nearly 375,000 meals to families across Middle and West Tennessee, and we’re proud to have partnered with them for 25 years! This holiday season, we’re especially grateful for everyone’s support in filling plates – and hearts – for those who need it most.”
– Erica Rivero, Manager, Corporate Relations, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
You hear the expression, “It takes a village.” This is our village.
Special thanks to our food bank partners: Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, Food Bank of North Alabama, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, and Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland, alongside distribution centers like One Generation Away, for standing with us to combat hunger. To all our managers and technicians who helped spread the word, collect food, and inspire new stories of hope, we couldn’t have done it without you!
“We’re honored to partner on this initiative. Vans4Cans is helping provide groceries for our neighbors so families can enjoy a big meal together around the table.”
– Jen Aten, Development Coordinator, Chattanooga Area Food Bank
While the concept may be simple, the impact is great. This year alone, Vans4Cans collected 3,179 pounds of food, translating to 5,480 total meals for our communities! Together, we’re building a brighter future for neighbors, one meal at a time.
To learn more about Vans4Cans and the other causes we support, visit leecompany.com/cares.
