When COVID-19 began to spread earlier this year, few had any idea it would have such long-lasting consequences across the globe.
At a local level, Detroit hasn’t been spared from the impacts of COVID-19. As food insecurity became a larger concern in the Detroit community, our Michigan Operations wanted to do something to help.
The team was able to secure funds from the Enterprise Holdings Foundation and focused their efforts on employees of companies that service Detroit Metro Airport, specifically households with children.
When Rob M., Group HR Manager in the Michigan Operations, decided to move forward with a food-based initiative, he knew he’d need help. He reached out to the Gleaners Community Food Bank – a trusted partner he’d worked with previously on the company’s Fill Your Tank Initiative. Gleaners employees assured him they would manage the entire food preparation and distribution process – ensuring safety protocols were followed.
“These events were really sparked by our Fill Your Tank campaign because of my role delivering Enterprise Holdings Foundation checks to food banks,” says Rob. “Through that work, I’ve come to appreciate how big of an issue food insecurity is in our communities. I’m also on the Urban League board and we are seeing a lot of food insecurity among people living paycheck to paycheck.”
Getting the word out
Rob and the rest of the HR team knew that food insecurity can hit close to home. For that reason, they decided to extend the invitation to all current and former employees and their families, and employees of companies that service Detroit Metro Airport.
Over the course of three days in May and June, more than 300 families took advantage of the drive-through food pantries, which were hosted at various Enterprise branch locations. Of those 300, about 50 were current employees or former employees. Attendees received 20-30 pounds of groceries for their household without ever having to leave the safety of their car.
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Pallets of food ready for food drive visitors.
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Volunteers prepare the food for visitors.
“Working for a company that provides us with opportunities to give back to our local communities is one of the things that makes me proud to work at Enterprise,” says Breanna F., Talent Acquisition Manager for the Michigan Operations. “It fills me with joy to spread kindness and make a positive impact in a time when it is needed most.”