Sangmidang Holdings is expanding its 28-year commitment to food bank donations by enhancing delivery infrastructure. As of the first half of this year, the company has donated food worth 343.9 billion won and plans to support 20 refrigerated trucks by 2030 to improve the transportation conditions for donated food.
On November 10, the Happy Foundation, a social welfare organization affiliated with Sangmidang Holdings, delivered two refrigerated trucks to the National Food Bank of Korea, as announced on November 11.
The handover ceremony took place at the Future Creation Center in Sindaebang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, attended by Heo Young-in, Chairman of Sangmidang Holdings, Kim Hyun-hoon, Chairman of the National Council of Social Welfare, and representatives from local food banks. The donated vehicles will be deployed to food banks in Busanjin-gu, Busan, and Gyeryong-si, Chungcheongnam-do. Sangmidang Holdings also included 4,000 loaves of bread in the delivery.
The Happy Foundation began supporting delivery vehicles in October 2022 after signing a memorandum of understanding with the National Food Bank. With this latest donation, the total number of supported vehicles has increased to 12, with plans to add eight more by 2030 for a total of 20.
The donation of refrigerated trucks aims to replace aging delivery vehicles and improve food transportation conditions. The food bank operates over 440 locations nationwide, distributing donated food and daily necessities to vulnerable populations. However, some regions face challenges due to the deterioration of refrigeration and freezing capabilities in older vehicles, leading to frequent breakdowns.
Sangmidang Holdings' support for food banks dates back to 1998, when it began donating food through Paris Croissant and Paris Baguette franchises. The scope of participation has since expanded to include subsidiaries like Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin'.
As of the first half of this year, the cumulative value of food donations stands at 343.9 billion won, accounting for about 10% of the total donations to food banks in South Korea, making it the largest contributor among domestic food companies. Currently, around 1,200 business locations nationwide are involved in donations, with an average annual donation amount of approximately 17 billion won over the past five years.
Heo Young-in, Chairman of Sangmidang Holdings, stated, "The food sharing initiative that began with food banks in 1998 was driven by a desire to share warmth with those in need, and it has been a cherished promise for 28 years. We will continue to strive to contribute to making our society warmer and healthier."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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