What the US moving industry is doing to make the world a better place.

Sometimes its easy to make a big difference in the lives of those around you. That’s what hundreds of US movers all over the country are finding out by joining up with Move For Hunger, a non-profit organization that works within the relocation industry to feed the hungry.

When people relocate they tend to throw things away. Quite often this includes perfectly good food that could go to a family in need, rather than be thrown away. That’s where Move For Hunger steps in. 

Movers affiliated to the organization collect any non-perishable food items from people who are relocating and deliver it right to their local food bank.  Although Move For Hunger operates on a national scale, the food stays local and goes directly to a family in need right in the movers’ community. It’s a rare opportunity for a moving company to give back to their community without having to make major changes to the way they operate.

“My family’s owned a moving company for 90 years,” said Adam Lowy, Executive Director of Move For Hunger. “Over the years, we’ve seen so much go to waste.” After a visit to the local food bank, Adam was shocked to find how many people in his relatively well-off community relied on its support. “With the economy in recession and so many people struggling, we could no longer sit by and watch perfectly good food end up in the garbage.”

Lowy’s Moving Service immediately started asking its customers to set aside any food they wouldn’t be taking with them, and the moving company would donate the food right to the local food bank. After just a couple of weeks they had over 300 lbs from their customers and the idea for Move For Hunger was born. 

“I couldn’t help thinking that if this one moving company could collect so much with so little extra effort, what could the thousands of moving companies across the country accomplish,” said Adam. 

Since its founding in 2009, Move For Hunger has grown to 350 moving companies in 42 states. Together, they have delivered over 730,000 lbs to food banks all across the country, that is enough to provide for over 561,000 meals for those in need. 

While Move For Hunger welcomes moving companies of all shapes and sizes, they do require that a moving company be a member of AMSA, a state association or an agent of a major van line to join in order to keep out rogue movers. Over 220 AMSA members have already answered the call and joined Move For Hunger in their fight against hunger.

“AMSA members continue to be amazing supporters of our effort,” said Gavin Christiansen, Operations Director of Move For Hunger. “We urge every AMSA member to join Move For Hunger, and bring the fight against hunger to your community.”

Perhaps this is a model that could be adopted in other countries too. 


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