Some companies donate food to nonprofits without asking for a dime in return. Examples of these companies include Burger King, Dunkin’ Donuts, Costco, and Safeway. These companies have been donating food to nonprofits for decades. Here’s how they go about it.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts donates food throughout the year to local nonprofits and community organizations. Its franchisees are encouraged to become involved in their communities and participate in local events. For instance, Dunkin’ Donuts has a composting program and donates excess food from catering orders to food banks. It also composts coffee grounds and other organic materials.
The Denver Dream Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and their families, is a recent recipient of a Dunkin’ Donuts donation. The organization has provided food for school-aged children in the Denver metro area. A current campaign has resulted in thousands of boxes filled with essential items. The donation is made through the Dunkin’ Donuts Joy in Childhood Foundation.
Since 2012, Dunkin’ has donated more than $220,000 to Central New York nonprofits. Its donations have helped feed more than 2 million people in the region. This year, the company’s donation will include $34,000 to the Food Bank of Central New York. The area’s franchise can customize coffee drinks with milk, cream, or non-dairy milk. In addition, customers can choose their beverages’ sweetness level and flavor.
Another initiative of the Dunkin’ Donuts chain is the donation of 15 pediatric service dogs to children’s hospitals. These animals can relieve the stress and anxiety of young patients. Currently, three hospitals are receiving these service dogs.
Burger King
Through its BK Charities program, Burger King donates food and funds to nonprofit organizations. In January, Burger King donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross Puerto Rico Chapter. This donation resulted from the company’s “Together We Can Help” fundraising campaign. As part of this effort, the company sold symbolic “blocks” for $1 each for two days in January and February. The generosity of customers and associates raised money at the participating Burger King locations.
While the amounts vary from region to region, the company limits its donations to $250,000 annually. This amount represents about eight to 10 percent of the company’s profits. The CEO of Burger King has a net worth of $37.3 million, and most employees make about $9 per hour. However, the company still makes a significant profit and has made a point of giving back to the community.
While the “Doing Good” marketing of Burger King may sound good, the company has a long history of using social issues to promote its product. In March 2017, Burger King UK tweeted, “Women belong in the kitchen.” This tweet sparked a discussion about gender disparity in the restaurant industry and enraged some people. It’s unrealistic to believe that corporations have morals. However, seeing Burger King’s social responsibility is a positive sign.
Costco
Costco donates food to nonprofits and local food banks to help those in need. The company supports children, health/human services, and the environment. For example, they invest in local member food banks of Feeding America to help feed their neighbors. These donations help them do their excellent work and are a great example of how a large company can help.
In addition, Costco’s donation program focuses on nonprofits that focus on kids, education, and health. The company also sponsors outdoor recreation groups and sports teams. The company also allows nonprofits to host an online auction for donated goods on eBay. Another method is the Circle of Good, which provides food, clothing, and other donated goods to nonprofits and local food banks.
Nonprofits can apply for a financial grant from Chevron Canada to support their cause. These grants focus on education, health, and community capacity-building. Interested nonprofits can apply online. While larger organizations can apply for a financial contribution, more minor local causes can apply for a product donation from Costco warehouses. To be eligible for a financial grant, nonprofits must support children and focus on human services or education. Applicants should also submit a W-9 form and a measured impact report.
Safeway
As a part of its mission to reduce hunger and feed the community, Safeway accepts donations from local nonprofits. It is also participating in the Hunger Action Campaign. During the campaign, shoppers can donate at the check stand, and the money will be used to buy food for local hunger relief programs and needy families.
Safeway donates more than $200 million to nonprofit organizations every year. In 2011, the company donated more than $5 million to help organizations that fight cancer. Safeway is one of the largest corporations to raise money for the American Red Cross and other cancer-related causes. The company also supports food banks across North America through company-wide food drives.
The Safeway Foundation encourages employee volunteerism and helps employees find volunteer opportunities. In 2011, Safeway’s employees contributed a record number of volunteer hours. Through the holiday season, Safeway is hosting activities to acknowledge the efforts of its employees and recognize the most active volunteers in their communities.
Safeway has also partnered with local nonprofits to support education and food access. For example, the company has sponsored a campaign to help children in Hawaii start the day with a nutritious breakfast. Its employees have also volunteered at local nonprofits, including schools and senior centers.
Chevron
As part of its commitment to helping communities worldwide, Chevron is donating food to nonprofits worldwide. Through a program called DonorsChoose, the company matches donors with nonprofits. In this case, Chevron’s donation will help support thirteen schools. The company has previously given more than $150,000 in food to nonprofits.
In addition to its donation to food banks, Chevron has also donated to nonprofit organizations in other regions. In California alone, Chevron donated $430,000 to food banks and $70,000 to United Way agencies. In New Mexico, Chevron donated $70,000 to a nonprofit organization that helps residents with food insecurity. In addition, the company has provided funding for Fab Labs, which aims to make 20,000 surgical masks and face shields for local hospitals. In Mississippi, Chevron also donated to the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.
Chevron has also partnered with the Houston Food Bank to help them expand their reach in southeast Texas and Houston. The Houston Food Bank will use the money to expand its distribution and warehouse facilities in the area. Chevron is donating a 53-acre piece of land valued at $10 million to help the organization grow its programs.
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods is a company that uses retail power to connect consumers with nonprofits. Its Better to Give program donates $1 for each item purchased to a nonprofit. Since its launch 12 years ago, Uncommon Goods has donated nearly $700,000 to causes worldwide. The company hopes to triple that number in the future. Some of its charities include American Forests and RAINN.
The company is based in Brooklyn, New York, and sells handmade items and accessories. Its headquarters are in the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal, and it pays its employees 50% higher than minimum wage. Additionally, it supports artists and designers who make their products. In addition, more than half of its merchandise is created and manufactured in the United States. Some of the items are made from recycled or reclaimed materials.
Walmart
Walmart has partnered with local nonprofits in a program known as “Good360.” These nonprofits pick up non-food goods from designated Walmart stores. The program aims to reach all stores in the country by 2020. Nonprofits can apply to participate in this program if they meet specific criteria.
In Longview, Washington, Walmart is helping a local food pantry provide 500 meals daily. It also partnered with a Rotary Club in Bend, Oregon, to feed 683 families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday. The program is one of Walmart’s many community-giving initiatives. Using this model, the retailer invested more than $100 million in local communities in 2017.
The program has been very successful in helping local nonprofits fight hunger. The company partnered with five food suppliers and the Salvation Army to develop “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” to encourage the public to fight hunger and make a difference. It urged consumers to share campaign messages on social media and donate to local Feeding America food banks. The campaign also triggered customers to purchase products that help fight hunger.
