Mention ‘Trader Joe’s’ in the White Pony Express Distribution Center, and you’ll be met with cheers and applause! Trader Joe’s is among our largest food providers, donating over 1.26 million pounds of food in 2024 that nourished hungry neighbors. Their Concord Avenue location offers an example of the power of collaboration, as White Pony Express picks up fresh food and prepared meals, sorts and curates this bounty, and delivers it within hours, feeding thousands of people every week.
The partnership started at the onset of the pandemic in2020 when hunger was on the rise (and has not since abated). The consistency and reliability of the pickups built trust and goodwill, and WPE went from one pick-up day per week to three pick-ups.
Through Trader Joe’s Neighborhood Share Program, this store alone has enabled White Pony Express to rescue and distribute 666,047 pounds of high-quality groceries to our neighbors in need—the equivalent of 555,040 meals.
During a recent visit to the Concord location, we had the pleasure of speaking with Betty and Maritza—who volunteered at WPE in July with their teammates. . The group had the happy opportunity to sort and curate food donations that originated at their store!
The team shared how impressed they were and provided valuable feedback to improve our collaboration. Seeing WPE’s Distribution Center in action allowed them to better understand and streamline the way they sort and package the food they donate creating an omni-win that benefits their store, WPE, and (especially!) our beloved community.