Toyota, Atlas and Chicago International Produce Market Donate Semi-Truck of Fresh Food to Chicago's Needy
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CHICAGO (October 14, 2005) - This week Toyota, the Chicago
International Produce Market (CIPM) and Atlas Toyota Material Handling made several
donations to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, also known as the
Food Depository, including nearly 10 tons of fresh produce and a new
Toyota electric pallet truck. The donations capped off a celebration at the
CIPM - Toyota's way of showing gratitude for using its lift trucks
throughout the nation's largest produce market.
"In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we see images of people
going hungry every day," said Breck Grigas, president of World Wide
Produce and CIPM Board Chairman. "However, it's important to remember that
our friends, families and neighbors right here in Chicago also
desperately need food."
This food donation is not the first of its kind for the CIPM. The CIPM
has been donating fresh produce to Chicago's food bank since the Food
Depository was established more than a quarter-century ago. The donated
food helps make it possible for the Food Depository to serve more than
84,000 meals daily through its 600 member agencies.
"With donations and support from organizations like Toyota, Atlas and
the Produce Market, the Food Depository can provide a much more
effective response to hunger in our community," said Mike Mulqueen, executive
director of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "For many less
fortunate families, fresh fruits and vegetables are considered luxuries.
Donations like these from the Produce Market, Toyota and Atlas help us to
effectively distribute these treasured food items from our warehouse to
ultimately help the hungry men, women and children of Cook County live
healthier, happier, more hope-filled lives."
The Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a not-for-profit food
distribution center providing food for hungry people while striving to end
hunger in our community. The Food Depository distributes donated and
purchased food through a network of 600 pantries, soup kitchens and
shelters to more than 91,000 adults and children every week. Last year,
the Food Depository distributed more than 40 million pounds of
non-perishable food and fresh produce, dairy products, meat, poultry and fish.
For more information, log onto www.chicagosfoodbank.org or call
773-247-FOOD.
Atlas Toyota Material Handling has been a key material handling
supplier to the CIPM since it moved to its new location in 2002. The company
operates 250 lift trucks within the market to increase productivity,
reduce costs and enhance operator comfort.
"We have been working with the Chicago International Produce Market for
more than 20 years and believe strongly in its commitment to the
community," said Al Rawson, president of Atlas Toyota Material Handling. "It
is our honor to complement the CIPM's donation with an electric pallet
truck that will make the delivery and distribution of the food easier
for the Food Depository."
The CIPM opened the gates to its $60 million, 26-acre terminal market
complex on November 11, 2002. Replacing the old South Water Market
founded in 1925, the CIPM is superior to all other terminal markets in
technology and customer convenience. Its state-of-the-art,
computer-regulated refrigeration technology is designed to respond instantly to
humidity and temperature fluctuations, retarding spoilage and maximizing
wholesaler's potential.
Toyota lift trucks currently in use at the CIPM include electric pallet
trucks, and 3-wheel and 4-wheel electric trucks.
Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) is headquartered in
Irvine, Calif., and offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold
under the Toyota brand. Built on a reputation for excellence, Toyota is
known for its quality, reliability and dependability. Most of the Toyota
lift trucks sold in the United States are manufactured in Columbus,
Ind.
Toyota's commitment to excellence in customer service extends
nationwide. Seventy authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers with a total
of 186 dealership locations throughout the United States offer
comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for both
new and Certified Used lift trucks, parts, service and financing. For
more information on TMHU, please visit www.toyotaforklift.com or call
1-800-226-0009.
Contact: Melinda Beckett-Maines
Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A.
949-223-7722
melinda.beckett-maines@tmhu.com
