We’re getting close to reaching one million cases of excess product donated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since mid-March 2020, Dot Foods has contributed 934,000 cases to nonprofits across the country, amounting to nearly $21.5 million.
For many in the U.S. who are fully vaccinated, the virus is in their rearview mirror, but a lot of us continue to feel the impact of the pandemic in one way or another. Our charitable committees and volunteers will continue to team up with nonprofits to find ways to help our communities get through this time. We’re also excited to resume some of our usual charitable projects.
Food Donations
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This month, we brought back our Neighbor-to-Neighbor program. Through the program, our charitable committees help local food pantries select items from our inventory that are in demand in their area. Many of our employees also volunteer to unload and stock the pantry shelves. Dot Foods California started off this year’s program, donating product to six local pantries. We’ll keep you updated on Neighbor-to-Neighbor activities throughout our locations the rest of the year.
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Dot Foods St. Louis joined forces with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL) for a giveaway on May 22. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve donated over $100,000 worth of food to ULSTL’s giveaways. For their final COVID-19 relief operation, we provided $65,000 worth of food as well as a refrigerated trailer. Several employees volunteered to help distribute food. Although this is ULSTL’s last COVID-19 relief giveaway event, we look forward to continuing our relationship with them.
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Dot Foods Idaho contributed product to events held by local organizations, including the OATS Wellness Walk for Mental Health Awareness and Simply Hope Family Outreach’s open house.
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Dot Foods New York has continued donating product to several local organizations, including Southwest Community Center, Erin’s Angels, and Fulton Alliance Church.
Other Activities
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Dot Foods St. Louis received the Corporate Champion award from the Greater Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for our contributions in our 2020 fundraising campaign. This honor has personal significance for Dot Foods Executive Chair John Tracy, who showed his appreciation to the St. Louis office:
The Association’s mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health is one my family is personally invested in, and I know the disease has impacted many of your families as well. …
Thank you for all you do to support our charitable giving. I’m looking forward to another great Alzheimer’s campaign this year.
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Dot Foods Georgia also supported the Alzheimer’s Association, raising $2,760 through a trivia night fundraiser. Another $2,500 was donated to Southeastern Technical College for various educational programs.
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Dot Foods Arizona brought one of our trailers honoring veterans to a car show that benefited the Bullhead City Fire Department.
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Dot Foods Idaho donated items to support local schools this month, including auction items for a Burley High School jazz band fundraiser and mini-fridges for senior celebrations.
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Dot Foods Chicago sponsored the annual benefit for Growing Home, an urban farm in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The organization serves the community through providing access to healthy food and workforce development.
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Operations Support Manager Lori Orr and Warehouse Training Manager Lyle Cook helped organize a clothing drive this quarter at Dot Foods Mt. Sterling. The warehouse holds a clothing drive each quarter. This quarter’s drive benefits Morgan and Cass counties.