At HelloFresh, our mission is to change the way people eat forever. At the heart of that mission is a commitment to making sure fresh food is accessible to anyone, especially in times of need.
We believe food is about more than just nourishment—it’s about care, community, and connection. That’s why we’re proud to share a major milestone in our Meals with Meaning: Veteran Feeding Veteran program.
Together with our partners, we have officially delivered over two million meals to Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families across New York. A collaboration between the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services, Black Veterans for Social Justice, and Pratt Industries, this innovative public-private partnership creates a seamless program that benefits our Veterans and Military Families, ensuring those who are food insecure have access to the fresh, healthy meals they deserve.
About Meals with Meaning
The HelloFresh Meals with Meaning program first launched in 2020 as a direct response to the rising rates of food insecurity, which intensified with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The national program provides free HelloFresh meal kits to individuals in need, with each kit containing fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards to create home-cooked meals.
The HelloFresh Meals with Meaning program first launched in 2020 as a direct response to the rising rates of food insecurity.
Meals with Meaning Fast Facts
Active in four markets, Newark, New York City, Dallas, and Phoenix, Meals with Meaning has donated over 9 million meals since its inception.
- 2020: 640,000 meals
- 2021: 1.5 million meals
- 2022: 2.3 million meals
- 2023: 2.5 million meals
- 2024: 2.6 million meals
What began as a vital lifeline to vulnerable Veterans in NY – who experience food insecurity at twice the rate of the public – has since evolved into a long-term program that supports Veterans and Military Families ranging from 20 to 90 years old, offering critical assistance in the form of nourishing meal kits.
Recently, veteran volunteers packed 8,000 Meals with Meaning meal kits at The Campaign Against Hunger’s (TCAH) Brooklyn headquarters. Each kit contained proteins, fresh produce, and ingredients supplied by HelloFresh to make eight nutritious meals at home. With the support of the Department of Veterans’ Services, the kits were distributed directly to households in need.
“We are honored to support veterans and military families—those who have selflessly served our country — but we know that there is still more to do in combating food insecurity and ensuring fresh food is accessible to everyone,” said Jacob Krempel, Senior Vice President of Procurement at HelloFresh.
In the Words of Our Partners
For New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen, reaching two million meals means touching and transforming two million lives. She emphasized that Meals with Meaning is more than a meal delivery service; it’s a testament to what’s possible when community and partnership come together. By providing essential resources to those who’ve served, the program ensures Veterans feel seen, supported, and valued.
“I commend and thank our good friends at HelloFresh and all program partners and volunteers for their continued strong support of this program,” Viviana added, “and for making a positive difference in the lives of countless New York Veterans.”
Together with our partners, we have officially delivered over two million meals to Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families across New York.
Dr. Melony Samuels, CEO and Founder of The Campaign Against Hunger, called the two million meal milestone a phenomenal achievement, a shining example of what happens when compassion and collaboration come together.
“Together, we’re not just feeding families,” said Melony, “we’re honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans by ensuring they have access to the fresh, healthy food they deserve.”
New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Chair of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, emphasized that hitting the two million meal mark is a powerful reflection of the unwavering commitment shown by all the partners involved who have prioritized the needs of our veterans.
“These men and women have put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms and have faced the always difficult transition back to civilian life,” Jessica says, “Programs like Meals with Meaning: Veteran Feeding Veteran show that here in New York, we will support our veterans the way they have always supported us. Making sure that no veteran goes hungry is a responsibility we all share, and I’m proud that our state is stepping up in such a meaningful way.”
Looking Ahead
At HelloFresh, we know this work is far from over. With change and uncertainty continuing to impact our local food pantries, we are proud to say that we have made a commitment to continuing the Meals with Meaning program in New York City through 2025, deepening our impact and offering continued support for those who have served.
Through our Meals with Meaning program, we are proud to serve those who served.
“While we remain committed to continuing the fight against food insecurity through the Meals with Meaning program and providing support for our veterans and their families,” said Uwe Voss, Global Chief Transformation Officer of HelloFresh, “we look forward to the day that it’s no longer needed.”
To read more about our fight against food insecurity, check out the articles below:
