HOSHIZAKI Delivers Large Donation to Local Food Pantry
Rick Bassan (center) and Hoshizaki employees at Five Loaves and Two Fish (Food Pantry in Griffin, GA) after unloading over 11,327 pounds of food to donate
Story by LANDRA LARSON STAFF WRITER llarson@griffindailynews – originally published on Dec 13, 2017
Griffin, GA (December 13, 2017) – Employees of Hoshizaki America, Inc. donated 11,327 pounds of food to the Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry. The 220 employees in the Griffin Hoshizaki facility collected the food throughout November.
“We donated 7,000 pounds last year and we wanted to escalate our efforts and go above and beyond this year,” said Director of Griffin Plant Operations Rick Bassan. Hoshazaki also donated $2,000 to the food pantry.
“We feel as good corporate citizens that we need to give back to the community we work in and give to people in need,” said Bassan. “We are glad to support the food pantry.”
Five Loaves and Two Fish Executive Director Steve Traywick accepts $2,000 gift from Hoshizaki Director of Griffin Plant Operations Rick Bassan
A group of Hoshizaki employees came to help unload the food and were taken on a tour of the pantry operation by Executive Director Steve Traywick.
“Hoshizaki and their employees are outstanding partners in helping Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry meet the mission of providing food to the working poor of our community,” said Traywick. “Their spirit of giving goes far beyond the holiday season. Their donation means that more families will receive more food. Words truly cannot express our gratitude.”
Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry is the fourth-largest food pantry in the state due to the amount it distributes to families throughout the year.
“In November, 1937 households received food,” said Traywick. “We distributed 47,000 pounds of food and 516 turkeys.”
Spalding County receives the most with 86 percent going to local families and the rest going to families in surrounding counties.
Traywick explained to the Hoshizaki employees what type of donations work best —“peanut butter, canned meat products, rice, cereals, pasta, dry beans. These donations provide much needed protein for families in need.”
He also noted that the items need to be in date. The pantry can give out items up to one year from the date stamped on the item. Items that are needed but rarely donated are diapers, small personal containers of hygiene items, feminine hygiene products, and small reusable bags. A large item on their wish list is portable lift system needed to lift the pallets of food up to floor level to unload. Another wish list item Traywick noted was the need for a printer. A Hoshizaki employee said he had one and would gladly donate it.
“I am encouraged by your corporate social responsibility,” said Traywick to the Hoshizaki employees. “Kudos to you for giving back to this community.”
The community can help Five Loaves and Two Fish by donating money and items as well as volunteering time. Many volunteers are overseen by Martha Richards, food pantry warehouse manager. “She is the key to making the whole operation successful,” says Traywick.
For more information on Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry, call 678-603-1238. The pantry is at 412 West Slaton Ave., Griffin, GA 30223 and the hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and 5 to 6 p.m.; and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
