Media Contact:
Donna B. Ragan, Donor Relations, Marketing & Communication Manager
dragan@secondharvestmetrolina.org | 704-805-1724
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina Expands Cold-Chain Capacity with New Refrigerated Truck, Providing Operating Support
Donation Made Possible by Partnership with Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation and Penske
CHARLOTTE, NC – October 17, 2025 – Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM) is expanding its ability to deliver fresh, nutritious food with the arrival of a new refrigerated truck and operating support. This gift, made possible through a partnership grant with Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation and Penske, strengthens the food bank’s cold-chain capacity, helping move more fresh produce, dairy, and proteins to neighbors across the 24-counties (14 counties in NC and 10 in SC) served by Second Harvest.
“As food costs remain high and more children, seniors, families, and veterans in our service region are dealing with food insecurity, corporations have a unique opportunity to step up in meaningful ways,” said Kay Carter, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. “Financial support is vital, but contributions like equipment, transportation, or food products can transform how quickly and efficiently we get food to our neighbors in need. Donations like this help us make food available to those that need it most.”
This is the fifth consecutive year, the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation and Penske have joined together during Hunger Action Month (held each September), to help Food Banks across the country. With a $2 million grant, nine Feeding America member Food Banks are receiving 26-foot refrigerated trucks. Each truck – capable of carrying up to 12,000 pounds – will bolster food distribution and mobile pantry programs in the communities served by each food bank.
Photos from the truck delivery are attached.
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About Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
As part of Feeding America, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina - serves 24 counties in North and South Carolina. In FY 2024-2025, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina distributed over 88 million pounds of food and household items, which included over 54 million pounds of fresh produce, meat, and dairy, to over 950 hunger feeding agencies including emergency pantries, soup kitchens, senior programs, shelters and low- income daycares.