MGM Resorts International has recently announced a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to combating hunger. The company has successfully surpassed its goal of donating five million meals by 2025, achieving this milestone well ahead of schedule. This remarkable achievement is a testament to MGM Resorts’ dedication to social responsibility and its innovative approach to addressing food insecurity through the MGM Resorts Feeding Forward program.
The Inception and Growth of the Feeding Forward Program
Since the inception of the MGM Resorts Feeding Forward program in 2016, the company has been at the forefront of hunger relief efforts. The program was designed to not only reduce food waste but also to provide much-needed meals to food-insecure individuals across the United States. Over the years, the program has grown significantly, making a substantial impact on communities in need.
Achievements in 2023: A Year of Remarkable Contributions
In 2023 alone, MGM Resorts donated over 1.2 million meals, further solidifying its position as a leader in corporate social responsibility. These donations were facilitated through a combination of grants to hunger-focused organizations and the rescue of unserved food from MGM Resorts’ food and beverage operations. This comprehensive approach ensures that the company maximizes its impact on hunger relief while minimizing food waste.
Innovative Approaches to Food Rescue and Redistribution
One of the key features of the Feeding Forward program is its innovative method of rescuing and redistributing prepared food. Unserved food from buffets and events is carefully cooled, packaged, and frozen in on-property blast chillers. This process ensures that the food remains safe and nutritious, ready to be delivered to those in need. By addressing both food waste and food insecurity, MGM Resorts sets a high standard for other corporations to follow.
Partnership with Three Square Food Bank
The meals prepared through the Feeding Forward program are donated to the Three Square Food Bank, a crucial partner in MGM Resorts’ hunger relief efforts. Three Square Food Bank distributes these meals to various hunger relief agencies, ensuring that they reach the individuals and families who need them the most. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in tackling complex social issues such as food insecurity.
Leadership and Vision: Jyoti Chopra’s Insights
Jyoti Chopra, Chief People, Inclusion and Sustainability Officer at MGM Resorts, has been a driving force behind the success of the Feeding Forward program. Reflecting on the company’s recent achievement, Chopra stated, “We are extremely proud of the environmental and social impacts of this program. This incredible achievement is the result of innovation, creative drive, and the hard work of our people, all of which allows us to recover food of all types at a significant scale and help our neighbors struggling with food insecurity.”
Aligning with Global Initiatives: World Hunger Day
In line with this year’s World Hunger Day theme, MGM Resorts is committed to breaking the cycle of malnutrition and building a thriving world. The company’s efforts are not only about meeting immediate needs but also about fostering long-term change and sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that MGM Resorts’ contributions have a lasting positive impact on communities.
The Role of Major Community Partners
Beth Martino, President and CEO of Three Square Food Bank, emphasized the importance of major community partners in the fight against hunger. She commented, “Assistance from major partners in the community is crucial to our operation, especially as recent reports show food insecurity rising in Southern Nevada. The significant efforts of MGM Resorts International in combatting food waste have resulted in hundreds of thousands of pounds of food donated annually, providing invaluable support in our mission to achieve a hunger-free community.”
Future Goals and Continued Commitment
Looking ahead, MGM Resorts International remains steadfast in its commitment to hunger relief. The company continues to explore new ways to expand the Feeding Forward program and increase its impact. By leveraging its resources, expertise, and partnerships, MGM Resorts aims to set new standards for corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
Conclusion: A Milestone for MGM Resorts International
The achievement of surpassing the goal of donating five million meals ahead of the 2025 target is a significant milestone for MGM Resorts International. It reflects the company’s unwavering dedication to social responsibility and its innovative approach to addressing hunger. Through the Feeding Forward program, MGM Resorts not only provides immediate relief to those in need but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future.
FAQs: MGM Resorts International Surpasses Goal of Donating Five Million Meals Ahead of 2025 Target
1. What is the MGM Resorts Feeding Forward program?
The MGM Resorts Feeding Forward program is an initiative started in 2016 aimed at reducing food waste and providing meals to food-insecure individuals across the United States. The program involves rescuing unserved food from MGM Resorts’ food and beverage operations and donating it to communities in need.
2. How many meals has MGM Resorts International donated through the Feeding Forward program?
MGM Resorts International has surpassed its goal of donating five million meals by 2025, achieving this milestone ahead of schedule. In 2023 alone, over 1.2 million meals were donated.
3. What methods does MGM Resorts use to rescue and redistribute food?
The Feeding Forward program rescues unserved food from buffets and events, which is then cooled, packaged, and frozen in on-property blast chillers. This ensures the food remains safe and nutritious for redistribution to those in need.
4. Who are the recipients of the donated meals from the Feeding Forward program?
The meals are donated to the Three Square Food Bank, which distributes them to various hunger relief agencies across the United States, ensuring they reach food-insecure individuals and families.
5. What role does Three Square Food Bank play in the Feeding Forward program?
Three Square Food Bank is a key partner in the Feeding Forward program. It receives the prepared meals from MGM Resorts and distributes them to hunger relief agencies, ensuring the food reaches those in need.
6. Who is Jyoti Chopra and what is her role in the Feeding Forward program?
Jyoti Chopra is the Chief People, Inclusion and Sustainability Officer at MGM Resorts. She has been instrumental in driving the success of the Feeding Forward program and emphasizes the program’s environmental and social impacts.
7. How does the Feeding Forward program align with global initiatives like World Hunger Day?
In keeping with the theme of World Hunger Day, MGM Resorts is committed to breaking the cycle of malnutrition and building a thriving world. The Feeding Forward program not only addresses immediate food needs but also focuses on long-term sustainability and community support.
8. What are the future goals of MGM Resorts International regarding hunger relief?
MGM Resorts International aims to continue expanding the Feeding Forward program and increase its impact on hunger relief. The company is dedicated to leveraging its resources and partnerships to set new standards for corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
9. What impact has MGM Resorts had on food insecurity in Southern Nevada?
MGM Resorts has significantly contributed to combatting food insecurity in Southern Nevada. Through its donations, the company has provided hundreds of thousands of pounds of food annually, supporting the mission of Three Square Food Bank to achieve a hunger-free community.
10. How does MGM Resorts’ Feeding Forward program address both food waste and food insecurity?
The program effectively addresses both issues by rescuing unserved food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to food-insecure individuals. This dual approach ensures that valuable resources are utilized efficiently and that those in need receive nutritious meals.