Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1308487
PINCH OF GOODNESS The Great Giveback Give Food, Give Hope HOW ASSOCIA'S 2020 COMPANY'WIDE CHARITABLE INITIATIVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA. By Ashley Cantwell With a commitment to building stronger communities, The Great Giveback is an annual endeavor that encourages Associa employees to extend a helping hand when and where it's needed most. In the past, team members have devoted their volunteer time to serving various organizations, including the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, Meals-on-Wheels, and many more. This year, employees across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico united to collect donations in a company-wide food drive — The Great Giveback: Give Food, Give Hope. Hunger and food insecurity pose challenges for communities across North America. According to data from Move for Hunger, 40 million Americans and five million Canadians are food insecure and rely on roughly 200 food banks in the U.S. and 700 in Canada that serve 63,000 affiliated pantries to meet their needs. The necessity of donations to feed these hungry populations has always been great, but now, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to keep local food banks stocked is even greater. Yet, donations are declining. The 2020 Great Giveback campaign was dedicated to collecting food items for at-risk populations. Jointly, branches made a collective impact on communities across North America by donating over 100,000 meals to 35 different food banks in 16 states and two Canadian provinces. Together, Associa helped give food and give hope. " The statistics show that one in seven people in the U.S. relies on food banks, and we know that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased those numbers drastically. Having the opportunity to be a part of the Great Giveback: Give Food, Give Hope food drive was such a great feeling. Helping others during this unprecedented time is what community is all about." – Joshua R., Dallas, Texas. 10