Employees Battle Against Hunger in Annual Food Fight

Hunger isn’t a new concern for families across the U.S., but the number of people affected by it has drastically increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. To help reverse the trend locally, Health Care Logistics®(HCL) so far this year has donated $7,000 to non-profit agencies that work to combat food insecurity. 

 As part of its annual Food Fight, employees from each of HCL’s five facilities compete to donate the most pounds of food, or dollars, for local organizations. In addition to individual giving, employees have raised funds through the sale of used equipment, a garage sale, a chili cookoff and friendly contests between departments. 

 “It has been incredible to see the amount of time that was donated this year on top of the food and money donations,” said Chris Cotton, HCL Technology Services. “The volunteering days went over so well that we are already planning future events.”

 Earlier this year HCL donated $2,000 and 60 pounds of food to Pickaway County Community Action (PICCA) to be distributed to families in need and last week employees presented a $5,000 check to the Pickaway County Community Foundation (PCCF). All donations were collected through employee-driven initiatives. 

 “We are so appreciative of HCL's employee donation,” said Alexis Conrad, PCCF Assistant Executive Director. The agency will apply the $5,000 to its Food Insecurities Fund, which Conrad said is used for giving opportunities including its Beef Project. 

 PCCF utilized the Food Insecurities Fund to purchase steers at the Pickaway County Fair, then distributed the processed beef to local food pantries. According to Conrad, a total of 17,354 pounds of beef was distributed in 2022 alone. 

 While food insecurity is a concern with no clear end in sight, HCL will continue to do its part to help. The next Food Fight battle is set to begin soon with a singular focus: combat hunger.