By Andi Anderson
Michigan-based workwear company Carhartt is expanding its commitment to farmers and local communities through a $1 million investment aimed at reducing food waste and improving food access.
The funding will be split equally between The Farmlink Project and Feeding America, organizations that work to connect surplus food with families facing hunger. The effort is designed to support both agricultural producers and consumers while creating stronger food distribution networks.
A key focus of the initiative is helping farmers find productive uses for excess produce. Every year, large amounts of nutritious food grown on farms go unused because of market conditions, supply chain challenges, or transportation limitations. Through partnerships with organizations such as The Farmlink Project, farmers can help ensure surplus produce reaches people who need it rather than going to waste.
Carhartt’s $500,000 contribution to The Farmlink Project will help expand the movement of fresh fruits and vegetables from farms to food banks and community organizations. The nonprofit coordinates transportation and logistics to move surplus food from growers to distribution partners across the country.
Another $500,000 will support Feeding America and its nationwide network of food banks. The contribution is expected to help provide approximately 5 million meals for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
“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 will also have a direct impact in southeast Michigan. Carhartt and The Farmlink Project are working together to organize a food distribution event in the Dearborn and metro Detroit area ahead of Thanksgiving. The event will provide fresh produce to local families while engaging company employees and community volunteers.
For Michigan farmers, programs that recover surplus produce offer an important opportunity to reduce food loss while supporting local communities. Food recovery efforts can help maximize the value of agricultural production and strengthen connections between farms and consumers.
“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.
The program aligns with broader efforts across the agriculture sector to reduce waste and improve food system efficiency. Moving surplus food into charitable distribution networks benefits growers, food banks, and families alike.
Carhartt also plans to support hunger-relief efforts through future retail expansion. The company says food drives will accompany new store openings through July 2027, with donations distributed through local Feeding America partner food banks.
Food insecurity continues to affect communities across Michigan and the nation. At the same time, farmers and food organizations are searching for ways to reduce unnecessary waste and make better use of available resources.
“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."
By investing in organizations that connect farms, food banks, and families, Carhartt aims to help address both issues. The initiative demonstrates how private-sector support can strengthen agricultural communities while ensuring more food reaches people in need.
As demand for food assistance remains high, partnerships involving farmers, nonprofits, and businesses are expected to play an increasingly important role in creating long-term solutions. Carhartt’s commitment highlights the value of collaboration in building a more efficient and resilient food system that benefits both agriculture and local communities.
Photo Credit: Carhartt
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle