IKEA sets up partnership to support American food banks

Swedish retailer IKEA is collaborating with Feeding America, the USA's largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

The notorious flat-pack furniture seller, also famous for its restaurants’ meatballs, is sponsoring an in-store program, 'Feeding the Future,' which runs through the month of June to support local Feeding America member food banks.

Through the program, IKEA U.S. will donate $1 to local Feeding America food banks for every healthy kids meal purchased in any IKEA U.S. restaurant. Additionally, IKEA customers can add $1 donations to the Feeding America network at all IKEA store registers at cash lanes, customer restaurants, IKEA Bistros and Swedish Food markets.

Evamay Lawson, IKEA Community Relations Manager, said: "Every day, millions of Americans, including children, are struggling with hunger. IKEA U.S. is dedicated to supporting our local communities and customers by supporting our store markets local food banks. Collaborating with the Feeding America network, along with our commitment to healthy eating, benefits many in need.”

This year marks the fourth year of the 'Feeding the Future' program. To date the program has helped to secure almost nine million meals to people who struggle with hunger. According to Feeding America, more than one out of six US children live in a household with food insecurity, which means they do not always know where they will find their next meal.

Feeding America Network of Food Banks

The process of getting food to people who struggle with hunger in America requires a dynamic infrastructure and sophisticated management. Feeding America secures donations from national food and grocery manufacturers, retailers, shippers, packers and growers – and from government agencies and other organizations. Feeding America then moves donated food and grocery product to member food banks.

The food banks in turn distribute food and grocery items through food pantries and meal programs that serve families, children, seniors and others who struggle with hunger. Last year alone, the Feeding America network distributed more than four billion meals to people in need.

The Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks also supports programs that improve food security among the people served; educates the public about the issue of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.