Benchmark International office in Nashville, Tennessee took part in the Second Harvest Food Bank donation efforts. This organization gives back to the communities of Tennessee through donations and volunteers committed to providing nutritious meals to those in need.

Managing Partner, Tyrus O’Neill, worked with his team to host this event. Half of the team participated on Thursday October 17, 2019, and the other half of the team will participate this Thursday October 24, 2019. He stated that he is glad his team has the opportunity to participate in a good cause for the community.

“The impact of hunger in the local community is an often-overlooked issue. Malnutrition and hunger, especially in children, can cause lasting developmental and health issues,” O’Neill said. “Local organizations like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee do a great service to the community and is an organization we proudly work with. The Nashville office of Benchmark International looks forward to the continued efforts of Second Harvest Food Bank and the role we can play in helping the local community thrive.”

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee opened its doors in 1978 with commitment from several community leaders. The purpose of the organization was to provide a central distribution center for companies, groups, and individuals who wished to help provide food for hungry people in Middle Tennessee. Their mission is to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in their community.

Since its inception, Second Harvest Food Bank of Tennessee has grown to be one of the largest and most comprehensive of more than 200 food banks and food distribution centers nationwide. In 2018 alone, Second Harvest distributed more than 30 million pounds of food to more than 460 Partner Agencies, providing more than 28 million meals to hungry children, families, and seniors throughout their 46-county service area.

This is a tangible way for the Benchmark International team to give back to the community and make an immediate impact in the lives of children in need. The team is preparing a total of 6,000 sack lunches for children, in afterschool programs, who don’t always know where their next meal will come from.

Administrator Deborah McManman organized the event for the Tennessee office. She stated, “I’ve heard so many amazing stories about the work done at Second Harvest Food Bank I knew it would be a great place for our office to volunteer,”

This experience allows everyone to see how just a few hours can make a real difference in the community. The team bagged food, and it’s a simple task, but it makes a difference in the lives of children. It gives them the ability to go to sleep on a full stomach and go to class with more energy. The Tennessee team looks forward to taking part in this event again in the future.

Benchmark International is proud to be able to participate in such worthy causes as this of Second Harvest Food Bank of Tennessee. Giving back to our local communities in any way we can is a central part of our work culture. Thank you to all the team members who participated.