Nissan has been a partner in fighting hunger and feeding hope since 2006. Last week, their donation of $100,000 put their total contribution over the past 10 years at the $1 million mark.
“We are extremely grateful to continue to expand our Nissan partnership,” says Jaynee Day, President and CEO of Second Harvest. “As the Food Bank’s first Mission Partner, donating more than $100,000 annually, Nissan has allowed us to further expand our efforts to feed more hungry children, families and seniors throughout Middle Tennessee.”
Nissan has provided nearly 4 million meals to the one in six adults, including one in four children, at risk of hunger in Middle Tennessee. In addition to funds, Nissan has donated five vehicles, valued at more than $100,000, to provide much-needed transportation support, making food more accessible to those in need. Nissan employees regularly volunteer at Second Harvest’s warehouse to sort and prepare food for distribution to our partner agencies.
“Nissan’s philanthropy strategy includes a commitment to support humanitarian relief efforts in communities where we have operations, and Second Harvest’s mission to feed those who are hungry aligns with that commitment,” says Rebecca Vest, Nissan Vice President of Corporate and Social Responsibility. “Second Harvest is an effective partner and significant contributor to the wellbeing of individuals and families throughout Middle Tennessee.”
Nissan’s 2016 gift includes funding to support Mobile Pantries as well as to engage employee volunteers in directly assisting those in need. A Mobile Pantry provides food to individuals and families in need through a large-scale, one-day distribution at a Second Harvest Partner Agency, and is one of the most effective ways to distribute food in outlying counties. A typical Mobile Pantry consists of 15,000 pounds of food providing one to two weeks of groceries – staple non-perishable pantry items, produce, dairy and baked goods – to approximately 250 families.
We’re looking forward to another year of partnership with Nissan, and excited for the upcoming volunteer projects with their corporate and plant employees in the communities where they work and live.
