Tyson & QuickChek Donate Truckload of Protein to N.J. Food Bank

HILLSIDE, N.J. — Tyson Foods Inc., QuickChek Corp. and Convenience Store News partnered to donate a truckload of protein to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey to help alleviate hunger throughout the state. The Dec. 14 donation was made in conjunction with QuickChek being named Convenience Store News’ 2016 Foodservice Innovator of the Year.

The Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based fresh convenience market chain was recognized for raising the bar on quality, service and innovation in the fast-growing foodservice category in the convenience channel. The annual Foodservice Innovators Awards, sponsored by Tyson Convenience, recognize retailers who are leading the convenience store industry in foodservice excellence.

"QuickChek is really a class act and they richly deserve accolades for continuously improving their foodservice offer," said CSNews Editorial Director Don Longo.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which serves people in need across the state, will distribute the donated food among its network of more than 1,000 community partners including soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters.

"We are honored to be recognized as the industry’s Foodservice Innovator of the Year and thank Tyson and Convenience Store News in making this wonderful donation," QuickChek CEO Dean Durling said. "Being an innovator means not only creating exciting new menu items and having freshly made in-store bakery items, but also embracing technology to continue to meet the needs of our customers. You can use an in-store touchscreen or your smartphone to create a custom sandwich or drink, which we will handcraft to your order. We have self-checkout counters and continue to expand our mobile ordering to provide even greater convenience for our on-the-go customers."

QuickChek’s partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside is part of the company’s long history and commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. QuickChek raised $160,000 during the FoodBank’s Check-Out Hunger campaign in 2015 and $125,000 in 2014. The retailer is currently participating in the 2016 campaign, as well.

"The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is grateful for partners like Tyson Foods for helping us provide healthy food for our neighbors in need. This donation of much-needed protein will go a long way in feeding families this holiday season," said Karen Leies, vice president of development for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. "We also want to recognize QuickChek’s ongoing commitment in the fight against hunger. They partner with us on our Check-Out Hunger campaign, volunteer with us, and much more. Together, we can end hunger in New Jersey."

Since 2000, Tyson Foods has donated more than 100 million pounds of protein in the United States.

The company’s "KNOW Hunger" campaign is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America. The company partners with Feeding America, Share Our Strength, and Lift Up America to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation.

In 2015, Tyson Foods announced its renewed commitment to hunger relief by pledging $50 million in cash and in-kind donations by 2020 to fight hunger, with a special focus on innovative initiatives at the local level.

"Partnering with organizations like the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is important to us in raising awareness about food insecurity in communities all around the U.S.," said Kevin Miller, senior marketing manager for Tyson Convenience. "Nearly one in five kids in New Jersey is food-insecure and the FoodBank distributed more than 43 million pounds of food last year alone. We’re honored to support those extraordinary efforts."

Click here to find out more about why QuickChek was selected as the 2016 Foodservice Innovator of the Year.