Hatch, a non-profit that focuses on protein distribution, has announced a $40 million Coalition to Close the Protein Gap with the goal of providing 3 billion protein-based meals to Americans annually.

The “protein gap” is the disparity in donations between protein and other types of products in the charitable food system. Hatch says that while protein is the most requested food, it makes up only 14% of donations. 

Hatch partnered with the CDC Foundation to create a crowdfunding campaign to reach the goal of 3 billion meals, as well as with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture.

It’s easy to be “in the know” about what’s happening in Washington, D.C. Sign up for a FREE month of  Agri-Pulse news! Simply click here   

HHS is contributing $7.5 million to “redirect surplus protein to families in need, improve health outcomes, and help reduce the burden of chronic disease,” according to a press release from last week. USDA is also contributing $7.5 million toward the effort, but it is focused on cold-chain infrastructure, especially in emergencies, and will be assisting non-profits with food distribution. The agencies both tied their support for the program to the Make America Healthy Again agenda.

Agriculture groups and companies are also members of the coalition, which has the support of Elanco, Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Pork Producers Council and the National Chicken Council.

Hatch’s model is to minimize waste in the production process by securing surplus protein from producers and transporting it through cold chain to over 120 food banks nationwide.

Hatch says each protein-rich meal costs a penny, because of direct partnerships with producers and an efficient supply chain. Through the CDC Foundation, donations translate to $0.14 per meal, with 100 Billion Meals Founder Tony Robbins matching $8 million.

The announcement comes one day before World Hunger Day, which was founded by The Hunger Project in 2011 to bring awareness to global hunger.

For more news, go to Agri-Pulse.com.