Company commits $1 million to move surplus farm food to families in need
Millions of pounds of nutritious food produced on American farms never reach consumers each year. At the same time, many families continue to face food insecurity. To help address both challenges, Carhartt has announced a $1 million commitment to support farmers, reduce food waste, and improve access to food across the United States.
The investment focuses on ensuring that more food grown by farmers reaches people who need it. Carhartt is providing $500,000 to The Farmlink Project and an additional $500,000 to Feeding America, two organizations working to reduce hunger and strengthen communities.
The Farmlink Project helps connect farms that have surplus produce with food banks and community organizations. Many farmers produce quality fruits and vegetables that cannot always be sold or distributed through traditional channels. Instead of allowing that food to go to waste, Farmlink coordinates transportation and logistics to move the produce to organizations serving families in need.
Carhartt’s donation will help expand those efforts, allowing more fresh food to be recovered from farms and delivered to communities across the country. The partnership also supports farmers by providing an outlet for excess produce that might otherwise be discarded.
The company’s contribution to Feeding America will help provide approximately 5 million meals through the organization’s nationwide network of food banks. Feeding America works with local partners to distribute food and assist families experiencing hunger in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
“At Carhartt, our mission has always been to build durable products that serve and protect all hardworking people, but our commitment to them goes well beyond the gear we make,” said Todd Corley, Chief People & Impact Officer at Carhartt.
He added, “The farmers who grow our food and the people who work every day to provide for their families deserve our support. By partnering with The Farmlink Project and Feeding America, we're helping make sure more of the food grown through hard work reaches the families who need it.”
The initiative highlights the important role agriculture plays in feeding the nation. Farmers work year-round to grow food, but supply chain challenges, market fluctuations, and transportation barriers can sometimes prevent food from reaching consumers. Programs like those supported by Carhartt help bridge that gap while reducing waste.
“Every year, about 108 billion pounds of produce goes to waste while 37 million Americans lack access to safe and sufficient food. Carhartt's support helps us connect farmers with surplus produce to food banks, so the food that hardworking farmers grow reaches the families who Confidential - Not for Public Consumption or Distribution need it. We're grateful for a partner that understands farm-to-table starts with the people doin the work,” said Aidan Reilly Co-founder of The Farmlink Project.
In addition to its financial support, Carhartt is partnering with The Farmlink Project to organize food distribution efforts in the Detroit area ahead of Thanksgiving. Company employees and community volunteers will help distribute fresh produce directly to local families.
Carhartt is also expanding its support through future retail store openings. As new company-owned stores open through July 2027, Carhartt plans to host food drives, with collected donations distributed through local Feeding America food bank partners.
Food insecurity remains a major issue across the United States, affecting families from many backgrounds. At the same time, reducing food waste has become an important priority for the agriculture industry and food supply chain. By supporting organizations that connect farms with communities, Carhartt aims to address both challenges at once.
“Across the country, families are working hard to make ends meet while the rising costs of food, housing, transportation and health care continue to put pressure on household budgets. Carhartt’s support will help provide 5 million meals* through the Feeding America network and help food banks meet the needs of their communities with dignity,” said Elizabeth Pettengill, Interim Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Partnerships at Feeding America.
She added, "We’re grateful to work alongside a partner committed to strengthening communities and helping more people access the food they need."
The company says its commitment reflects a broader goal of supporting hardworking people, including farmers, food producers, and families. Through its partnerships with The Farmlink Project and Feeding America, Carhartt hopes to help more food make its way from fields to tables while strengthening communities across the country.
As efforts to reduce hunger and food waste continue to grow, collaborations between businesses, farmers, and nonprofit organizations are becoming increasingly important. Carhartt’s investment demonstrates how corporate partnerships can help create practical solutions that benefit agriculture and the people who depend on it.
Photo Credit: Carhartt