Delayed by supply chain issues that have impacted so much of the transportation sector, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana took delivery of a new refrigerated box truck just in time for the holidays. Gleaners purchased the truck earlier this year with a $150,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation, the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Automotive, and named after the company’s founder. The truck is co-branded between Gleaners and Indiana-based NextGear Capital, a Cox Automotive brand. 

Gleaners is distributing more than 99 million meals in 2023, putting a strain on the organization’s aging fleet of box trucks, which log more than a quarter million miles each year.

“The addition of this truck to our fleet expands our ability to distribute, at minimum, 80,000 additional meals to neighbors in need,” said Gleaners President/CEO Fred Glass. “Because of the expansive area we serve, we rely heavily on our fleet of trucks to transport large volumes of food, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats and highly desired dairy items.”

In total, the James M. Cox Foundation has given $350,000 over recent years.

“Gleaners Food Bank holds a very special place with us because of the meaningful work they do to feed those in need throughout Indiana,” added Scott Maybee, president of NextGear Capital. “Every year, our teams look forward to volunteering at Gleaners, from loading vehicles with meal items for families struggling with food insecurity to organizing and hosting fundraising events.” Since its inception in 2005, NextGear Capital has given back nearly $3 million to local communities, benefitting up to 79 nonprofits each year.