fast and fresh

When volunteers at the Greater Chicago Food Depository unloaded the nearly 10 tons of fresh produce donated in October by the Chicago International Produce Market (CIPM), they found something unexpected in with the tomatoes, peaches and avocados: one new Toyota electric pallet truck. As a gesture of appreciation for CIPM's patronage, Toyota and Atlas Toyota Material Handling supplemented the produce market's donation with the electric pallet truck. The donation was announced at a special celebration held this fall at the Chicago International Produce Market.

The CIPM has been donating fresh produce to the Food Depository since it 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," says Mike Mulqueen, executive director of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "For many less fortunate families, fresh fruits and vegetables are considered luxuries."

Atlas Toyota Material Handling has been a key material handling supplier to the CIPM, which is the nation's largest produce market, since 2002. The company operates 250 lift trucks within the market.