Each month, we highlight one of the moving companies in our network for their extraordinary commitment to fighting hunger in their community. We are excited to announce that NorthStar Moving Company has been named our Mover of the Month for April 2019!
NorthStar Moving has beeng helping us reduce food waste in California for nearly 10 years, and they recently made two of their biggest rescues to date. In late March, NorthStar's crew in Los Angeles recovered nearly 2,800 lbs. of bagels, chips, bananas, and other non-perishable food/beverages from the LA Marathon. Just two weeks later, the San Francisco branch rescued nearly 15,000 lbs. of bananas, snack, bottled water, and sports drinks from the Rock 'n' Roll SF Half-Marathon.
According to NorthStar Moving's co-founder, Laura McHolm, the company has a responsibility to use its resources to help others whenever possible.
"We believe that running a moving business means a lot more than lifting things – it’s about lifting up our team, clients and those in need," McHolm said. "NorthStar Moving is approaching 25 years in business and giving back to our community has always been at the core of our business."
That's a lesson McHolm learned from her father, who was also an entrepeneur.
"He told me if you build your business focused on being of service to people, the sky is the limit. Don’t think about sales, think about solving people’s problems. My partner and I follow his words of wisdom and have built NorthStar Moving on the principles of kindness. Over the years, we discovered kindness is contagious.
"NorthStar Moving joined our network back in December of 2010. So, for all intents and purposes, they have supported Move For Hunger from the very beginning. As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary this year, we're reminded of all of the amazing things McHolm and her team have done over the past 10 years. Through food drives, food rescues, and by collecting donations from their clients, NorthStar Moving has provided more than 60,000 meals to Californians facing hunger.
"Our team members love the fact that they can feel great about the work they do for the community," McHolm said. "The team values the difference NorthStar Moving is making in the community, from our green practices to involvement in Move for Hunger and many charitable events throughout the year."
And their next big initiative begins in just a few weeks. NorthStar Moving is gearing up for their 7th annual "Let's Send Hunger Packing!" food drive, which helps provide meals for children who are no longer receiving breakfast and lunch at school during the summer months.
"One out of four children in Los Angeles County are at risk of going to bed hungry tonight," McHolm said. "It's simply heartbreaking that children are hungry right in our backyards. They always need our assistance, but in summer time the need is even greater because school is out and the one meal kids can always count on is gone."
Although "Let's Send Hunger Packing!" is always a success, this year's food drive has the potential to be the biggest to date.
"Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office is joining us and allowing us to have food donation boxes in City Hall," McHolm noted, "and Groundwork Coffee is putting boxes in their shops, too!"
The additional support and publicity should lead to an increase in donations but McHolm was clear on what her ultimate goal is.
"We love how our food drive is becoming well-known throughout the community, but we will really love when there is no longer a need to have one."
In addition to the award, NorthStar Moving Company will also be receiving Move For Hunger truck decals for their entire fleet. Congratulations to NorthStar Moving Company on this much-deserved recognition!
Thank you for helping us reduce food waste and fight hunger in the Golden State!
Are you in the relocation industry? You can join the Move For Hunger network today. Doing good is good for business!
There are a number of ways to fight hunger in your community. Get started today!
