Second Servings will provide the meals through the new “Dinner’s On Us” program, the nonprofit announced April 7.
“We saw the impact first-hand last month, when we rescued valuable perishable food from hotels, event venues, business cafeterias, schools and restaurant kitchens that were forced to close,” Second Servings founder Barbara Bronstein said in the release. “We created this program because we wanted to help the people who serve the community and donate surplus food to us all year long.”
The nonprofit is distributing the meals as part of its organizational mission, which focuses on rescue and delivery of excess prepared and perishable food from hotels, caterers, sports venues, distributors, and retailers to preapproved charitable meal sites.
Beginning April 9, Seconds Servings will start distributing 10,000 meals total as part of the program, all prepared by Hess Corp.’s Food Services team. Each week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. meals will be distributed in a contact-free, drive-thru procedure by Second Servings’ volunteers at 702 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, in the LAM parking lot, according to the release. Sysco Houston is donating and discounting the food being prepared, as well as providing storage assistance, with real estate firm BHW Capital and ACME Party & Tent Rental providing additional support.
Freshly prepared and frozen family meals serve seven to eight people and will feature comfort food such as chicken and biscuits, red beans and rice, and penne pasta with sausage.
“The global COVID-19 pandemic has brought the travel and hospitality sectors to a near halt,” said Randy Fournier, the global dining manager for Hess Corp., in the release. “The consequences have been devastating for hotels, restaurants and others in the hospitality industry. In keeping with our values, Hess is pleased to provide some relief when needed most to those who typically serve others.”
Restaurant workers, hotel housekeepers and convention service workers will be among the recipients of the meals. To pick up a family meal, hospitality workers must present a recent pay stub displaying the name of their restaurant, hotel, caterer, banquet venue, sports venue or convention center employer. Distribution will continue for as long as funding allows, and volunteers will adhere to all recommended social distancing protocols, according to the release.
To support the program or to volunteer, visit www.secondservingshouston.org/dinnersonus
