Published: March 3, 2026
Montgomery County Food Bank Honors Fortifi as Volunteer of the Year
Fortifi’s focused volunteerism combines hard work with expertise to benefit its local community
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 3, 2026– At its 2026 “Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope” gala on February 7, 2026, Montgomery County Food Bank (“MCFB”) recognized Fortifi Food Processing Solutions as its Volunteer of the Year. In addition to Fortifi employee owners’ regular assistance with produce sorting and packing, Fortifi also provided Lean expertise for a volunteer Kaizen designed to help double workers’ output in MCFB’s new Produce Rescue Center.
Fortifi’s hands-on volunteer experience provided a first-hand understanding of MCFB’s needs and how the efficiencies of Lean methodology could streamline the sorting and packing line. To ensure that essential food reaches families who need it most, Fortifi led a four-day Kaizen that addressed continuous improvement through small, positive changes with big impact on workflow efficiency. As a result, Produce Rescue Center output rose from 461,000 to 629,000 lbs. per month, an increase from 49% to 57% of MCFB’s food-processing total. Some volunteer shifts even doubled in hourly output.
“We’re thankful to Montgomery County Food Bank for the opportunity to serve alongside them,” said Massimo Bizzi, Chief Executive Officer of Fortifi. “Through our broader Enriching Communities initiative and our ongoing partnership with MCFB, we’re committed to helping ensure families in our home community have access to the food they need.”
“Fortifi has been an incredible partner, bringing practical support and a hands-on approach that strengthens Montgomery County Food Bank,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “Their operational expertise has helped streamline the systems behind our work and support our growth amid rising need for food assistance. That progress comes at a critical time, helping us expand capacity by 1 million meals each year for neighbors counting on us for nourishing food.”
Fortifi continues its volunteer efforts at MCFB as the food bank uses its Lean concepts for greater efficiency and productivity. During the week of the gala, Fortifi volunteers packed and prepared 15,096 pounds of food at MCFB.
