North Carolina-based intralogistics company Carolina Handling has donated 58 motorised pallet jacks to hunger relief organisations throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama since the start of the new fiscal year on May 1 as part of its 58th birthday celebrations.

The donations are central to its philanthropic focus for the year which is “handling hunger together”.

The 58 organisations receiving a motorised pallet jack serve 11.2 million individuals each year throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. 

Together they distribute an average of 290 million lb. (131.5 million kg) of food annually. 
Carolina Handling president and chief executive officer Brent Hillabrand says of the donation: "There are numerous organisations throughout our territory that receive, store and distribute thousands of pounds of food each year to feed the hungry”.

“The need for reliable equipment to move pallets of donated food at food banks and pantries is even greater than we realised. We're honoured to partner with so many of the non-profits that are addressing food insecurity in their communities."

Second Harvest Food Bank in Williamston, South Carolina was one of the recipients of a motorised pallet jack. 

The charity’s regional branch coordinator, Donal Dickens, explains that fighting food insecurity is a challenge, and since the pandemic that challenge has taken on a new look.

“One constant throughout it all is the need for resources to put food in our communities,” Dickens continues. “Any donation of time, food, money or equipment is extremely welcomed and goes a long way.” 

Carolina Handling broke ground on a new 267,000 sqft. (24,800 sqm) facility in Pickens County, South Carolina in May as it continues to evolve from a forklift-only provider to an end-to-end intralogistics solutions company.