Sysco Food Service Indianapolis is one of the largest distributors of food to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities and hotels in Indiana. The warehouses on Indianapolis’ northwest side are always humming as orders are pulled and trucks are loaded for deliveries, but there is a special spot reserved in one of the warehouses for Second Helpings.
Sysco Indianapolis allocates space in a warehouse for Second Helpings. The space fills up with thousands of pounds of food each week ready for pick up.
“We love you, and we make room for you,” said Andre Robinson, director of human resources at Sysco Indianapolis. “You’re a part of our business.”
Twice per week, a Second Helpings truck visits Sysco to pick up foods selected for donation. Fresh and frozen foods, canned goods and other non-perishable foods are pulled from Sysco’s inventory for various reasons.
“Inventory is a balancing act,” said Robinson. “Orders can get canceled and packages can become damaged.”
The consistent flow of food donations ensures that the Second Helpings Hunger Relief and Culinary Job Training kitchens remain stocked with essential products that keep both operations busy and running smoothly. Sysco has been one of Second Helpings’ largest food donors for many years. Last year, the company donated 247,775 pounds of food, up 31,000 pounds from the year before.