Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/696225
66 July 2016 BestDriverJOBS www.bestdriverjobs.com Women In Trucking T he trucking industry has always been a place where generosity and empathy are evident. From drivers helping on the roadside to carriers providing supplies for neighborhoods, the spirit of the trucking community is one that is not recognized enough. The Women In Trucking Association is teaming up with Feeding America to help address hunger in America. Whether you are based in the United States or deliver within its borders, you can help us feed needy families. According to Feeding America, more food reaches landfills and incinerators than any single material in municipal solid waste. Up to forty percent of all food grown, processed, and transported in the United States will never be con- sumed. Every community in America is affected by hunger. Over 48 million Americans live in "food insecure" households, which includes more than 15 million children. The Feeding Ameri- ca website states that 72 percent of all Feeding America client households live at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty line, and the annual household income in 2014 was $9,175. Feeding America has a network of over 200 food banks that provide more than 3.6 billion meals through food pan- tries, shelters, and meal programs. Cur- rently, they have the logistical expertise and strategic relationships to rescue food before it's lost and get it to people in need, but they need your help. How can you become part of the solution? If you have ever had a load of produce rejected and you weren't sure what to do with the product, you can help feed families. If you find yourself at a delivery with food or household supplies that were the result of a ship- ping error, you can help by visiting a community food bank. Your load might be rejected for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the boxes or packaging have been damaged and the customer rejects them for cosmetic reasons. Maybe your refrigerated unit failed en route and your shipment reached a temperature that was unac- ceptable to the shipper but safe for final consumption. If your load was damaged or the cases included slightly outdated inventory or have not met the quality standards of the vendor, such as slightly over-salted or mislabeled UPC codes it could still be acceptable for consump- tion. What should you do? First, determine that you have the authority to donate the product. Check with your shipper or broker contract. You should also check with your insur- ance provider to help you through the By Ellen Voie, WIT President/CEO Women in Trucking Associa on partners with Feeding America to address hunger