Horizons unveils new food rescue box truck

Horizons Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry revealed a new food rescue box truck at its annual fundraiser after about 18 months of fundraising; the vehicle is intended to collect surplus food that might otherwise be discarded.

Horizons Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry revealed a new food rescue box truck at its annual Hope for Horizons fundraiser in Quincy. The truck was displayed to guests at the Quincy Country Club. Fundraising for the vehicle began about 18 months ago after staff faced challenges transporting large donations. The organization says the truck will help move rescued food more efficiently and reduce waste. Key facts: - Horizons received more than 600,000 pounds of food last year, much of which would otherwise have been discarded. - The truck has a roomy cargo area, a lift gate, and can back up to a loading dock to ease loading and unloading. - Fundraising for the vehicle started roughly 18 months ago in response to logistical issues with large donations. - Donors for the truck included Quincy Medical Group, the Merrian Gardner Jackson Trust, the Community Foundation, Knapheide, and an anonymous donor. - Horizons executive director Sarah Stephens said the truck may begin picking up donations as early as next week, reported as a possible start date. Summary: The new box truck is intended to make it easier for Horizons to collect and transport surplus food that would otherwise be wasted, supporting the pantry's meal preparation and distribution efforts. Stephens reported the vehicle could begin pickups as soon as next week, and local donors helped fund the purchase.