Global protein supplier PMI Foods donated 1,738 fully cooked frozen protein products to Utah Food Bank as part of a community partnership timed to America's 250th anniversary. The items—buffalo chicken, garlic beef, brisket, and steak—will be distributed through the food bank's network of 309 partner agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and senior centers across the state.
Why Protein Matters
Protein remains one of the most requested and hardest-to-source categories in food bank supply chains, making foodservice and manufacturing donations especially high-impact. "High-quality protein is one of the most requested and hardest to source foods we distribute," said Ginette Bott, President and CEO of Utah Food Bank. "This generous donation from PMI Foods will help us provide nutritious meals to thousands of Utahns through our network of partner agencies."
For food and beverage manufacturers, the donation model PMI deployed—fully cooked, frozen, shelf-stable proteins in quantity—reflects a practical template for corporate giving that aligns with distribution infrastructure already in place at regional food banks. Fully cooked items reduce preparation barriers for partner agencies that may lack commercial kitchen capacity, a logistical consideration gaining attention across the restaurant and foodservice industry as operators look for ways to redirect surplus inventory.
PMI's Footprint
PMI Foods, the consumer-facing brand of Parker Migliorini International, operates across three platforms: PMI Global Solutions for procurement, sales, and logistics; PMI Distribution for local wholesale markets; and PMI Food Service, which focuses on customer-specific product and packaging adaptation. The company maintains corporate offices across the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, positioning it as a significant player in global protein supply.
Darin Parker, President of PMI Foods, framed the donation as a reflection of community values. "In honor of this important milestone, we are proud to provide high-quality meals to families in need across our home state," he said. Utah Food Bank, founded in 1904, distributed 69.6 million pounds of food and goods last fiscal year—the equivalent of approximately 58 million meals—from distribution centers in Salt Lake City, St. George, Springville, and Blanding.
As food insecurity continues to challenge communities nationwide, partnerships between protein suppliers and regional food banks represent a meaningful channel for food and beverage industry companies to deploy product in ways that address real nutritional gaps. For operators and suppliers tracking corporate social responsibility strategy, PMI's approach—donating premium, ready-to-eat proteins at scale—sets a concrete example of how the foodservice supply chain can extend its reach beyond commercial customers.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
