Columbus, OH – Hot Chicken Takeover (HCT) and Food Rescue US call the 2017 Pay-It-Forward program a success, collecting enough customer donations to generate over 161,300 meals for Central Ohio residents in need.
Between December 18-24, Hot Chicken Takeover customers had the opportunity to add a donation to their check either in-store or online.
“Each year the program has grown exponentially, so we had no idea what to expect,” shares Hot Chicken Takeover Founder, Joe DeLoss. “But we knew it would be something big—this is just bigger than we could even fathom.”
Last year’s program resulted in 1,996 meals to Central Ohio residents. The year prior, which was the first year of the program, 400 meals were distributed. However, this year each dollar donated was maximized through a partnership with Food Rescue US.
Food Rescue US transfers fresh, usable food that would have otherwise been thrown away from restaurants and grocers to shelters and organizations that provide food insecure families throughout Central Ohio and beyond.
“HCT has been a great partner,” remarks Kevin Mullins, Food Rescue US Founder and CEO. “Every single member of their team was engaged and enthusiastic about this program, and the customers felt it when they walked in the restaurants—it was a true illustration of community and caring.
“We’re grateful to our customers for making it happen,” remarks DeLoss, “and we’re grateful to Food Rescue US for stretching those dollars to make this program more impactful than ever before.”
For those who would like to engage even further with addressing food insecurity in Central Ohio, download the FoodRescue US app and become a volunteer food distributor. Learn more by visiting www.foodrescue.us