A member of the Feeding America network, Second Harvest of the Greater Valley recently welcomed the arrival of a new refrigerated truck and an additional $10,000 in operating support. These donations will be used to help the Second Harvest food bank further its mission of providing food access to the most vulnerable in the local population. The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation – the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants – and Penske collaborated on this opportunity to help support communities that are disproportionately impacted by hunger. One in 10 adults in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties suffer from lack of food. This truck and the monetary donation will allow Second Harvest to continue to equitably distribute food across the counties it serves. It will also aid in replacing aging vehicles when the time comes.

“Hunger remains a widespread issue that touches lives in every corner of our country. At Darden and the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation, we believe in taking action to make a difference,” said Stephanie Ghertner, Executive Director of the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation. “By partnering with Feeding America member food banks, we’re not just raising awareness – we’re providing the resources needed to help families access the food they deserve.”

Second Harvest of the Greater Valley is one of 10 Feeding America partner food banks that the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation and Penske are supporting with this grant, valued at more than $200K.

“This truck will allow us flexibility in our fleet that will keep us on the road in the event of a breakdown,” Director of Operations Juan Osuna said. “It will also help us continue to serve at the high levels we see daily.”

To learn more about how you can join the movement to end hunger, visit localfoodbank.org.

Second Harvest of the Greater Valley Food Bank opened in 1976 initially serving senior citizens in San Joaquin County. Over the years it has expanded its reach and impact, now distributing more than 20 million pounds of food to 350,000 people annually in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties through its network of over 95 partners and food distribution programs.

Darden’s family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable and successful brands in full-service dining, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s and Bahama Breeze. For more information, visit www.darden.com.

The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation provides philanthropic support of charitable organizations across the country. Since 1995, the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation has awarded more than $110 million in grants to non-profit organizations such as Feeding America, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and American Red Cross.

Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. It supports tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.