Direct Auto & Feeding America: We’ve Helped Feed Thousands in Our Communities with Our Agents

Due to the pandemic, millions of people have turned to food banks over the past 18 months, and Direct Auto Insurance has been committed to helping feed those in need. Last year, our insurance group donated $1 million to Feeding America as part of a $3 million pledge to COVID-19 relief efforts. And from April 2021-August 2021, Direct Auto volunteers joined forces with member food banks in their local communities to help with multiple drive-thru food distribution events.

“While the pandemic has steadied, the need in our community is still dire,” said Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank President & CEO. “The Food Bank is serving 50% more households than pre-pandemic numbers.”

At each event, a Feeding America volunteer or Direct Auto agent loaded food into hundreds of vehicles’ trunks on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies ran out. Every box and Direct Auto-provided tote bag was packed with non-perishable goods, as well as an assortment of fresh produce, protein, and dairy products.

Feeding South Florida Food Bank

125,836 pounds of food were provided at the distributions supported by Direct Auto. This food helped support nearly 3,000 separate households.

“We are immensely grateful for Direct Auto’s support during this time of increased need,” said Sari Vatske, Feeding South Florida’s Executive Vice President. “Because of COVID-19, over 1 million people continue to rely on Feeding South Florida’s services. This donation will help us continue providing nutritious food for families.”

North Texas Food Bank

Across the four distributions in North Texas, 96,363 pounds of food were given away. These efforts directly helped 904 families (3,984 individuals).

“We are so grateful for the support of companies like Direct Auto that recognize the growing issue of hunger and look for ways to contribute to organizations addressing this complex problem,” said Trisha Cunningham, CEO and President of the North Texas Food Bank. “Their generosity helps advance our mission of bridging the hunger gap in North Texas during this critical time and beyond.”

Feeding Northeast Florida Food Bank

Direct Auto’s donation in Northeast Florida funded 32 mobile pantries that distributed 240,648 pounds of food to 6,016 households.

“This donation comes at a crucial time as we approach summer break. Many families we serve rely on the meals their children receive at school, and with school not in session, there is additional strain on those families’ budgets to keep everyone fed,” said Susan King, President and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “We are thankful for the support of Direct Auto Insurance to help us meet the increased needs of children and families during summer break.”

San Antonio Food Bank

In San Antonio, nearly one million pounds (979,321) of food were given away across four distributions. These 824,691 meals helped 2,720 families (10,988 individuals) cope with the ongoing struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are 250,000 children out of school and not receiving breakfast and lunch that they normally get during the school year,” said Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank President & CEO. “Direct Auto has stepped up to help meet the need and fill the summer meal gap. Their sponsored food distributions will provide thousands of community members with much needed nourishment. Their support showcases the power of community, the power of love. We are very grateful for their partnership.”

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

Volunteers distributed 133,869 pounds of food across four mobile pantries in Middle Tennessee. These efforts supported 2,950 people (or 990 different households).

“Hunger exists in every county in the United States, including right here in Middle Tennessee,” said Nancy Keil, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. “We are so grateful to have partners like Direct Auto supporting our efforts to provide food to our neighbors facing hunger. This generous gift provided 260,000 meals through our Mobile Pantry distributions.”

Hear from Someone We Served

“Before the pandemic times were hard, then Covid-19 hits us and takes our jobs away. We weren’t getting paid much but our family made that little amount go a long way. I am trying to be the best mother I can be…an emergency food distribution is nothing to be afraid of, in times of need. We are survivalists. We know the recipes to make dinners that last and multiple like sandwiches, tuna, peanut butter, caldo, casseroles, rice, and beans. We have always pinched pennies – the difference now is we must tighten our pocketbooks even tighter and we see no end in sight.” – Victoria Hernandez

Hear from Our Volunteers

“I have worked for HEB for the past 30 years. I love my job. They believe in the mission of the San Antonio Food Bank. I bring my son to these volunteer events so that he can learn different perspectives of life. In summer months my child has time on his hands, for some kid’s summer months marks the start of a long, hot, and hungry school break. We both want to help in any capacity. As a family, I believe in fighting food insecurity. Volunteering is an intricate part of supporting your community directly.  And it’s up to me to make this belief generational.” – Terri Salinas & James Salinas.