Meals on the Bus: Helping Others with Coldtainer
In the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, a beacon of hope emerged in the New York City and New Jersey areas: Meals on the Bus. Founded to combat food insecurity during these challenging times, the organization has, over four years, delivered more than 100 million nutritious meals directly to the doorsteps of those in need. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their unwavering commitment to community support and nourishment.
“We originally delivered equipment, merchandise, and refreshments for the entertainment industry,” Sam explains. “But with Covid, there was no entertaining, so we either had to adapt or die. We started working with non-profits and the state to deliver meals to the needy. And there was a definite need. I remember the first contract we got; we had to find 138 drivers by the end of the week. We had a lot of work to do to build this new business from scratch.”
A critical component of their success lies in their partnership with Coldtainer USA. By integrating Coldtainer’s advanced temperature-controlled containers into their delivery operations, Meals on the Bus ensures that every meal reaches its recipient fresh, safe, and at the optimal temperature.
The Challenge
Delivering meals across the expansive and densely populated regions of New York City and New Jersey presents significant logistical challenges. Maintaining the quality and safety of perishable food during transit is paramount, especially when serving vulnerable populations. Traditional methods of food transport often fall short in preserving the necessary temperature, risking the integrity of the meals upon arrival.
“Most companies in this space use what is called a ‘hot shot’ which is basically a custom-rigged van or truck that has dual temperature zones for hot and cold. But these were not going to work for us. They are too expensive, and we were not going to lease a whole fleet of them. We needed something that would work with our team of owner-operator drivers and their vehicles. We didn’t know if there was a solution out there that would work for us. Hot covers and bags of ice in coolers weren’t going to cut it. That’s when we came across the Coldtainer USA Website.”
The Coldtainer Solution
Coldtainer’s portable storage solutions offer a revolutionary approach to temperature-controlled transport. These easy-to-use, highly reliable, and cost-effective containers are designed to maintain precise temperatures, whether for hot, refrigerated, or frozen goods. For Meals on the Bus, this means that pre-cooked meals can be kept at safe temperatures throughout the delivery process, ensuring that recipients enjoy meals as fresh and warm as when they were prepared.
“Coldtainer was revolutionary for us. We could do hot meals, cold meals, frozen food – all at a consistent temperature set point with tracking and monitoring. The units could fit in our driver’s vehicles. They were perfect for the final mile aspect of delivering right to the person’s door. All of a sudden, nobody could offer what we offered. When we presented our capabilities to the New York Department of Aging, which had been holding onto these delivery contracts for a long time because of these issues, they were extremely impressed. It was a very big deal. It honestly helped change the requirements of these contracts moving forward.”
Implementation and Impact
Meals on the Bus has seamlessly integrated Coldtainer units into their delivery fleet. The containers’ durable build and thermal insulation protect the contents, ensuring that each meal maintains its intended temperature. This integration has not only enhanced the quality of the meals delivered but has also streamlined the logistics of meal distribution.
The flexibility of Coldtainer units allows them to be easily loaded and unloaded, facilitating efficient delivery routes across various boroughs. Moreover, the energy-efficient design of the containers aligns with Meals on the Bus’s commitment to sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact of their operations.
“Coldtainer units are so easy to use. Installation is basically plug and play,” says Meals on the Bus Operations Manager Christopher Barret. “We can install and service all our own units. It only takes a couple of hours to learn everything you need to know. The app is great. The battery charger is high-quality. Switching units between vehicles is simple. You can tell everything has been designed to make it as easy to use as possible.”
Looking Ahead
As Meals on the Bus continues to expand its reach further West, the partnership with Coldtainer USA remains a cornerstone of their operational strategy. The reliable temperature control provided by Coldtainer units ensures that the organization can uphold its promise of delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to those who need them most.
In a world where the demand for efficient and safe food delivery solutions is ever-increasing, the collaboration between Meals on the Bus and Coldtainer USA serves as a model of innovation and dedication to community well-being. Together, they exemplify how technology and compassion can intersect to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“The people we help are kids, they’re veterans, they’re disabled people. We help senior citizens. We help refugees. It’s often the only source of food they have. It really hits home the impact we are having in the community,” says Sam.
For more information on Meals on the Bus, including on how to become a partner or customer, please visit www.mealsonthebus.net
