Newfront Volunteers Repack 6.5 Tons of Watermelon to Help End Hunger

Food Lifeline’s mission to end hunger in Western Washington got a little help from Advanced Professionals Insurance & Benefit Solutions on May 25, 2022, when the team repacked 13,200 pounds of watermelon for distribution to food banks, shelters and meal programs.

“Together, our team of volunteers worked to help address food insecurity in our community,” said Keith VanderZanden, Practice Leader of Advanced Professionals (AP), which is the wholesale benefits division of Newfront. “Such an incredible and inspiring day. Thank you to all the AP team members that committed their time and energy – 6.5 tons of watermelons boxed and ready for delivery. Amazing!”

Advanced Professionals’ nine-person crew took their teamwork outside of the office at this community-building day, working together at Food Lifeline’s Seattle warehouse to sort and repack watermelons that weighed as much as 40 pounds each!

“It was great to see such an amazing turnout from the AP team to help out such a worthwhile cause,” said Business Manager Tom Waller. “Everyone has a lot going on, and for them to put that aside for a few hours meant a lot.”

Food Lifeline provides nutritious food to 1.37 million people facing hunger, or the equivalent of more than 282,000 meals every single day with help from volunteers, partnerships and more. This volunteer event is just one of many Newfront supports to advocate to end hunger. From sorting and packing, assisting at mobile pantries, and delivering meals to neighbors in need, Newfronters regularly visit local food banks to make a difference for our communities.

“I loved being able to work side by side with my work family,” said Theresa O’Brien, Senior Account Manager. “We all work so well together, both in the office and outside of the office. We crushed it!”