September 22, 2021
Feeding Southwest Virginia receives grant
Supporting food banks is one way Trane Technologies’ Thermo King is helping close the gap on hunger, and the company is stepping up its game during Hunger Action Month by awarding several grants on behalf of its philanthropic program, We Move Food. One of the recipients is food bank partner Feeding Southwest Virginia, which received a $5,000 grant.
Since 1981, Feeding Southwest Virginia has been fighting to eliminate hunger in the region and change lives through community partnerships. The organization has helped provide over $33 million worth of food and grocery-related products across 26 counties and nine city regions to feed many families and neighbors.
“We are proud to have Thermo King as a Funds, Fun and Food Corporate Partner. Through their generosity, Thermo King will help Feeding Southwest Virginia provide over 25,000 meals to our neighbors facing food insecurity,” shared Pamela Irvine, president, and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia. “We are grateful to Thermo King and their employees for sharing in our mission to fight hunger in our region.”
The support our volunteers provided to Feeding Southwest Virginia has helped uplift the senior community. The volunteerism and We Move Food donation tie to Trane Technologies Sustainable Futures, our refreshed corporate citizenship strategy aimed at supporting under-represented communities.
In addition to the donated funds, a team of employees from Thermo King’s sister company, Trane, volunteered at a Feeding Southwest Virginia food bank on September 16. Each year, for the past 10+ years, Trane Roanoke has participated in a volunteer event with Feeding Southwest Virginia. It’s always a big hit for employees and this year was no exception with a six-person team of volunteers packing 649 meal boxes for local seniors in need.
“Feeding America is such a versatile community operation—they serve a variety of people in Southwest Virginia. The day of our event, we were packing boxes for seniors to make sure that they get food to eat. I think that’s something not many consider,” said Ashley Christensen, project administrator for Trane Roanoke. “We’re always hearing about children in need and sometimes the older community gets left out. For me it’s important that every person in need gets healthy and hearty meals. Feeding America makes that possible.”
“Feeding Southwest Virginia was an organization I had heard of in the local news, but I had never been presented with an opportunity to serve. Our local office’s long-standing relationship with the organization gave me that opportunity. I love that we are giving to our community and building a positive culture within our team at the same time. I truly believe that we receive far more than we give during these events,” added Alice Larrowe, sales coordinator for Trane Roanoke. “We all want to make a difference, for our time and efforts to create impact. What could be more impactful than helping provide food to members of our community?”
Did You Know?
- We Move Food has supported 72 food banks since its launch in 2017.
Caption: Trane Roanoke volunteers included Ashley Christensen, Lori Wampler, Debbie Whitteker, Alice Larrowe, Sheryl Hoyt, and Jeff Wold.
