Over 2 million pounds of food! That's how much Ford collected in the global launch of its Ford Building Together initiative food drive. The event - which Ford calls the World's Largest Auto Dealer Food Drive - encompassed 31 countries across the world. The food collected is distributed to food banks and pantries worldwide. All Car Pro Show Ford dealers across America participated in the event.
Ford calls food security a global challenge and says according to World Health Organization data, one in 11 people around the world face the daily struggle of not knowing where there next meal will come in from. It's even more a concern over the holidays. Ford says the donations arrived in Germany at a crucial time for local communities.
"The outpouring of support from Ford dealers could not have come at a better time. As we head into the holiday season, the need for donations always increases, and these contributions will make a tangible difference for many families," Friedrich von Schönfeld, CFO Caritas Germany, said.
In the U.S., Ford says 45 Ford in Southeast Michigan dealerships rallied together to support a single nonprofit, Forgotten Harvest. Donations, brought to the nonprofit on pallets, helped fill the warehouse.
On the West Coast, Wendle Ford in Spokane, Washington collected 51,909 pounds of food - far exceeding its goal of 600 pounds. Donations from customers and staff benefited 2nd Harvest Inland Northwest.
"We have a lot of hungry people here, and it feels good to know we're making a difference," said Debbie Good, director of organizational development at Wendle Ford. "We are incredibly proud that our donation will translate into more than 14,000 meals for our community."
Nonperishable goods were the main focus of the food drive, however Ben Morgenrood Auto in South Africa went a different route, collecting 1 ton of fresh vegetables that were immediately distributed. Ford says other items commonly requested in addition to food included clothing and personal care products such as socks, soap, and diapers. In South America, the automaker says dealers collected nearly 700,000 pounds of food, and Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, achieved 100% dealer participation.
Ford says the global collaboration, uniting Ford and its dealers, underscores its continuous commitment to fostering positive change, addressing critical needs, and creating a lasting difference in the lives of people around the world.
Photos: Ford Motor Company.
