NACS Foundation’s Neighborhood Nourish Program Recovers Over 120,000 Pounds of Food to Combat Hunger in Chicago and Beyond
Following the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago, the NACS Foundation, in collaboration with FoodRecovery.org, launched one of the most significant and impactful food recovery efforts in the event’s history. Over the course of three days, more than 120,000 pounds of surplus food, beverages, and supplies were collected from 49 exhibitors. This effort directly translated into 100,292 meals for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity, turning what could have been waste into a powerful force for community nourishment.
The timing of this initiative carried even greater urgency. As the U.S. government announced the expiration of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for millions of Americans beginning November 1, the NACS Foundation’s food recovery initiative—aptly named Neighborhood Nourish—took on heightened importance. The program aims to unite the convenience retail industry around a shared mission: to reduce food waste while increasing access to nutritious, ready-to-eat meals in communities facing hunger.
A Unified Effort for a Vital Cause
“This is what community impact looks like in real time. We didn’t just recover food — we will be feeding families across Chicago through December with just this one effort,” said Kevin O’Connell, Executive Director of the NACS Foundation. “This collaboration with our partners and volunteers turned a trade show surplus into a real solution, and we are charting a path others can follow.”
O’Connell’s words underscore the NACS Foundation’s broader vision: to mobilize the power of the convenience and mobility industries to make tangible, lasting contributions to communities nationwide. The Foundation’s Neighborhood Nourish program demonstrates how collaboration, innovation, and compassion can come together to address systemic issues like hunger and food waste.
Vontier’s Commitment Amplifies the Impact
Among the key partners supporting this initiative was Vontier, a global provider of technologies and solutions that help manage and scale the mobility ecosystem. Vontier lent significant volunteer manpower to the recovery effort and contributed a $50,000 donation to strengthen logistics and transportation capabilities. This financial and volunteer support ensured that recovered food moved swiftly and safely from the McCormick Place show floor to local food banks and nonprofit partners.
“Partnering with Neighborhood Nourish aligns with the Vontier Foundation’s mission to drive positive change in the communities we serve,” said Katie Rowen, Chief Administrative Officer at Vontier and President of the Vontier Foundation. “Together we’re working with the broader convenience retail industry to fight food insecurity, create healthier, more resilient communities, and contribute to a culture of giving and sustainability.”
Vontier’s involvement exemplifies the growing recognition among corporate leaders that partnerships between industries and nonprofits can multiply impact. By leveraging operational expertise, supply chain efficiency, and volunteer engagement, companies like Vontier help amplify community-based solutions that reach far beyond traditional charity.
From Trade Show Surplus to Community Solution
The scale of food waste that can occur at major trade shows is often staggering. Thousands of pounds of perfectly good food and beverages are frequently discarded due to logistical challenges, tight schedules, and a lack of coordinated recovery infrastructure. The NACS Foundation’s initiative turns this problem into an opportunity for positive change.
With the support of FoodRecovery.org—a technology platform that connects food donors to local nonprofits and food banks—the NACS Foundation created a streamlined process for identifying, collecting, and distributing surplus goods. Exhibitors participating in the NACS Show were encouraged to donate their excess food rather than dispose of it. Teams of volunteers then gathered, sorted, and packaged the donations for immediate delivery to local organizations.
Feeding Chicago and Beyond
The impact of this initiative extended well beyond the walls of McCormick Place. Five Chicago-based nonprofit organizations received the recovered food and distributed it throughout the community. These organizations included:
- Greater Chicago Food Depository
- Breakthrough
- Mission of Our Lady of the Angels
- Shepherd’s Hope
- Hands of Hope
Each of these partners plays a vital role in supporting low-income families, individuals experiencing homelessness, and communities in food deserts. Through Neighborhood Nourish, these nonprofits gained access to nutritious, ready-to-serve meals and supplies that could be put to use immediately.
Impact by the Numbers
The measurable outcomes of the Neighborhood Nourish initiative highlight the power of collective action:
- 120,380 pounds of food recovered
- 100,292 meals provided
- 79 volunteers mobilized
- 49 exhibitor donors participated
- 5 nonprofit partners served across Chicago
These figures represent more than numbers—they tell a story of connection, collaboration, and compassion. What began as an industry event evolved into a movement that nourished both bodies and communities.
Creating a Model for Industrywide Change
The success of the Neighborhood Nourish program at the 2025 NACS Show sets a new standard for how trade shows and industry gatherings can contribute to sustainability and social good. By demonstrating a practical and scalable model for food recovery, the NACS Foundation is paving the way for similar initiatives at future events—not only within the convenience sector but across multiple industries.
Food recovery initiatives like this also play a key role in environmental sustainability. Diverting food from landfills prevents methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas—and ensures that valuable resources used to produce, transport, and prepare food are not wasted. The NACS Foundation’s efforts thus contribute not only to hunger relief but also to climate action and sustainable development goals.
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