ATLANTA (News release) -- Veritiv Operating Company, a leader in specialty packaging distribution, announced a new corporate social impact commitment to Feeding America® through its philanthropy program, Veritiv Connects. As the nation's largest hunger relief organization, Feeding America's efforts to rescue, store, and distribute food - avoiding food waste - complement Veritiv's commitment to circularity and its focus on communities.

Through Veritiv Connects, team members invest time, talent, and treasure to help individuals learn, grow and thrive. At the core of the company's community engagement efforts, Veritiv invests in programs that address mentorship opportunities and build safe and sustainable neighborhoods.

The Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 meal programs offers Veritiv employees the opportunity to activate the company's Goodness campaign through volunteerism. Veritiv intends to deploy volunteers to support meal preparation and food distribution efforts, collaborate on Food Rescue programs, and provide support for workforce readiness initiatives. Through Veritiv Connects this year, Veritiv intends to deploy thousands of employee volunteers throughout local communities, design packaging for select nonprofits, and deliver inventory to disaster relief organizations.

"We are excited to deploy our team of volunteers to offer their time and talents, in addition to funding Feeding America initiatives directly. Giving back to the communities where we live and work is not simply a value add - it is a core responsibility," said Sal Abbate, Chief Executive Officer for Veritiv. "Currently, Veritiv team members are active participants in many local food banks, and for that reason, we look forward to this new relationship and increasing our Goodness program's impact."

"There is a movement to end hunger underway in this country, and it needs all of us to work together. We are excited to partner with Veritiv, who shares in our vision toward a hunger-free future and a commitment to ensure everyone has access to the food and resources they need to thrive," said Lauren Biedron, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Feeding America.

Additionally, Veritiv's commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been extended to include another year.

To learn more about Veritiv's corporate responsibility initiatives, visit www.veritiv.com/sustainability.