Feeding it forward

By Emma Peterson. 

Across the country, members of the roofing industry are stepping up to support their communities. 

According to a 2022 USDA report, over 44 million Americans don’t have enough food to eat or know where their next meal is coming from. Of those millions, one in five is a child. Food insecurity is a huge problem that happens everywhere, with every county in the US having residents who struggle with it. This stems from a myriad of reasons, including but not limited to lack of affordable housing and chronic health conditions. One of the options that many struggling with food insecurity turn to food pantries and banks for the help they need. Feeding America found that in one year, 49 million people used these types of resources.  

This is a challenge that can seem insurmountable; however it is something that everyone can help with. Check out these two amazing stories about how members of the roofing industry stepped up to make a difference.  

A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply 

In May 2024, a group of volunteers from A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply came together to support a local food bank in Geneva, Illinois. While there, they packed over 3,000 pounds of food to provide more than 2,500 meals for those in their community. The food bank in question, Northern Illinois Food Bank, is just the most recent location of A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply’s dedication to helping their communities fight hunger.  

Since 2020, they have packed over 32,000 pounds of food, which translates into more than 26,500 free meals! Their team is committed to taking the time to continue this work in the future, “Giving time back to those who need assistance right in our own backyards is a great way to spend the evening team building, lots of laughter and hard work.” 

National Women in Roofing 

While hosting one of their annual membership events, the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) took the opportunity to run a food drive. The event was a huge success of networking and community-building with a raffle and some great food to share. And the sharing of food didn’t stop when the night was over, in total nearly 300 items were donated to the West Linn Food Pantry as a result of the event! Donation drives like this are a huge part of who NWIR are, as it supports their mission of supporting women, children and families in their communities and industry.