GE Appliances Expands Longstanding Partnership with Dare to Care Food Bank Through Donation of Cold Storage Units to Support Fresh Food Distribution
GE Appliances, a Haier company, is expanding its decades-long partnership with Dare to Care Food Bank through a new cold storage initiative designed to increase families’ access to fresh, nutritious food. The company is donating GE and GE Profile refrigerators and freezers—including delivery and installation—to Dare to Care community partners to enhance their ability to safely store and distribute perishable items.
This initiative builds on a rich history of collaboration rooted in volunteerism and shared commitment to serving the region. Each year, GE Appliances employees donate more than three tons of food through workplace collection drives, while corporate community engagement grants support facility improvements that help Dare to Care broaden and enhance its services. Employees also maintain one of the highest participation rates of any nonprofit partner, underscoring the company’s deep commitment to fighting hunger across the community.
Transforming Community Health Through Fresh Food Access
Reliable refrigeration remains one of the largest barriers for food pantries working to provide nutrient-rich foods such as produce, meat, and dairy. By supplying cold storage at no cost, GE Appliances is helping eliminate a major challenge that limits fresh food distribution.
Access to fresh groceries plays a critical role in improving community health and nutrition security:
- Reduces diet-related illness: Fresh foods help prevent chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Supplies essential nutrients: Protein, iron, vitamins, and other nutrients are more readily available through perishable items than shelf-stable donations.
- Supports dignity and choice: High-quality, fresh items create a more equitable and dignified shopping experience for families.
- Prevents food waste: Expanded cold storage allows pantries to accept surplus produce and protein from farmers, retailers, and producers.
With reliable refrigeration now in place, community partners can expand the variety and nutritional value of the foods they offer—transforming pantries into stronger pillars of community health.
“Access to fresh, healthy food should not be a privilege,” said Katina Whitlock, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and Community Engagement at GE Appliances. “Our employees care deeply about this community, and this partnership with Dare to Care allows us to support families in a meaningful, lasting way. By providing cold storage infrastructure, we are helping ensure pantries can offer the nutritious food that fuels health, dignity, and opportunity.”
Dare to Care President and CEO Vincent James emphasized the critical impact of this partnership. “Food is health and access to fresh produce and protein are essential for the overall well-being of the families we serve,” James said. “GE Appliances has been one of our most committed partners for many years, and this investment in cold storage expands what is possible for our network of community pantries. Together, we are strengthening the foundation for a healthier, more food-secure Kentuckiana.”
A Public–Private Partnership Built for Impact
The collaboration underscores the power of private and nonprofit organizations coming together to address systemic challenges. Cold storage is a major expense for local food pantries, and GE Appliances’ donation alleviates that burden while helping Dare to Care fulfill its mission more effectively.
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