US Foods, Associates Donate $12M+ for Hunger-Relief Efforts
US Foods Holding Corp., one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, and its associates have donated more than $12 million in food, supplies and monetary contributions to address hunger-relief efforts across the country throughout 2023, the equivalent of approximately 5 million meals or approximately 225 truckloads of product, through its corporate hunger-relief campaigns.
“As a leading foodservice distributor, US Foods is in the unique position to harness the power of food to deliver a meaningful impact,” says Dave Flitman, CEO. “We believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work, and we are grateful to our associates who participated in a variety of our philanthropic activities throughout the year. Moving into 2024, we are excited to continue this important work through increased investments with hunger-relief organizations.”
US Foods served communities experiencing food insecurity with product donations to longstanding partner, Feeding America. In 2023, the company donated more than $12 million in food and supplies to more than 50 Feeding America network food banks across the country. Since 2007 the company has donated more than $170 million in food and supplies to Feeding America network food banks for hunger-relief efforts.
In addition, throughout 2023, the company demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community hunger-relief efforts through a variety of associate giving and volunteer initiatives. Highlights included a week-long “Spring into Service” program in which associates participated in various company-sponsored community service events, a companywide food drive for Hunger Action Month, and a month-long “Giving Gratitude” campaign dedicated to providing food to underserved communities during the holidays. Participation in these activities generated donations totaling $100,000 to support food banks and other hunger relief organizations supported by the company.
Additionally, this holiday season, US Foods is teaming up with new customers to support Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance for food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources, through “Giving Back with US Foods.” For every new customer, US Foods will make a donation to Giving Kitchen, up to $100,000 through Dec. 30.
As part of the company’s overarching corporate giving commitments, US Foods also sustained its dedication to delivering a meaningful impact with its American Red Cross disaster relief partnership and US Foods Scholars Program. In 2023, the company donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support Hurricane Idalia relief efforts. The donation covered a range of emergency services, including the distribution of hot meals and comfort kits, the opening of shelters and the deployment of emergency response vehicles.
The company also awarded $360,000 in scholarships to students across the country pursuing degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry, chef training and business management through its US Foods Scholars program. Since its launch, the program has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships to nearly 90 students to make a meaningful contribution to the restaurant and hospitality industry talent pipeline.
To learn more about US Foods its corporate giving initiatives, visit the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report at usfoods.com/csr.
With a promise to help its customers Make It, US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 250,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With 70 broadline locations and more than 85 cash and carry stores, US Foods and its 29,000 associates provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill. Visit www.usfoods.com to learn more.
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Southern Glazer’s Promotes Executives; Arizona Exec Retires
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has made enhancements to National Accounts, Customer and Trade Development, National Retail Sales, Center of Excellence and eCommerce functional units. These teams continue to evolve under the National Accounts umbrella, enabling Southern Glazer’s to remain the strategic thought partner to grow these categories and gain market share.
In addition, Tom Boyle, executive vice president and general manager of Arizona, will retire effective at the end of 2023.
“Southern Glazer’s National Accounts team’s vision is to be an indispensable and trusted partner to the company’s valued customers and deliver excellence to associated buyers, suppliers, and market teams,” said Chris Williams, executive vice president, National Accounts. “This enhanced structure enables us to provide an even more collaborative and comprehensive level of service to our partners.”
Customer and Trade Development
- Ryan Sass has been promoted to vice president, Customer and Trade Development, for National Retail Sales and On Premise. In his new role, Sass will drive supplier relations and closely manage the Company’s NRS business with the support of Customer Development category experts. Sass will report to Chris Williams.
eCommerce
- Robyne Eldridge has been appointed vice president, Omni Channel Development.She will continue to lead B2C deliverables for digital first, eCommerce Business Priorities development and supplier integration. Reporting to Eldridge will beSam Raia, senior director, Omni Channel Development;DarShanna Smith senior director, Amazon; Sarah Twitchell, director, Liquor Channel;Brennan Duke, director,(Mass/Club/Drug); and Jennifer Bailein, director, Grocery. Eldridge will report to Chris Williams.
National Retail Sales (NRS)
- JR Allen has been promoted to vice president, NRS Commercial Operations. In his new role, he will work directly with each region’s Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, with a focus on forecasting, inventory and execution. He will report to Scott Moore, senior vice president, National Accounts Off Premise.
- Nicole Nottinghamhas been appointed to senior director, GoBrands. She will strengthen and foster national strategy and connect with NRS supplier planning process Customer Business Priorities. She will report to Scott Moore.
Center of Excellence (COE)
- Adam Byrne has been appointed vice president, Customer Planning and Development COE. The COE will focus on “Elevate,” the company’s program that offers customers branded merchandising recommendations, large and small format channel development and Southern Glazer’s unique suite of Retail Joint Business Planning process and tools. Byrne recently joined the company and will report to Chris Williams.
Boyle is a longtime Southern Glazer’s employee.
“During his 40-year tenure, Tom has made a tremendous positive impact on the success of the company, as well as the professional success of our employees,” said John Wittig, chief commercial officer. “His best-in-class leadership has made him a role model in Arizona and beyond. We’ll miss him greatly and will forever appreciate his many contributions to the company.”
“Tom’s exceptional dedication to fostering a workplace culture where authenticity thrives has been a true cornerstone of Arizona’s success,” commented Patrick Daul, president, West Region. “In addition to this, his commitment to innovation transformed the market into a hub for pioneering pilot programs, from industry-leading electric vehicle testing to the introduction of a unique convenience store concept. These contributions have positioned us at the forefront of progress, leaving an indelible mark for years to come.”
In 1983, Boyle began his career in beverage alcohol as a salesperson for Southern Wine and Spirits in San Diego. After years of hard work expanding the company’s supplier portfolio, Boyle was promoted to on-premise division manager in 1989. Shortly after, Boyle led Southern Wine and Spirits in entering its fourth market in Arizona, where he served as Southern Arizona branch manager.
After helping lead significant growth for the business and working in roles of increasing responsibility, Boyle accepted the position of general sales manager of Arizona and spent the next 18 years working alongside Michael Jahn and the Arizona team to make Southern Wine and Spirits the number one distributor in Arizona. Upon Jahn’s retirement in 2019, Boyle stepped into his most recent role as executive vice president and general manager of Arizona.
“As Tom embarks on a new chapter in life, we express our deep appreciation for his service and wish him a retirement filled with much happiness and health,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, chief executive officer. “His legacy will continue to inspire us, and his presence will be missed.”
An announcement for Boyle’s replacement will be forthcoming. Boyle will remain on the team to ensure a seamless transition and support the leader who will be replacing him.
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Truffle Avenue Extols Romanian Delicacy in US eCommerce
In a strategic shift in the culinary landscape, Truffle Avenue has launched its U.S.-based website—a platform for customers to select from various top-quality truffles and have them delivered directly to their home or business. The company challenges the conventional focus on Italian truffles, introducing food enthusiasts and chefs to the diverse and untapped world of Romanian truffles.
The Truffle Avenue website aims to facilitate a direct connection between truffle hunters and consumer guaranteeing premium quality and authentic flavor profiles distinct to the Romanian terrain.
Truffle Avenue’s website delivers transparency and quality to customers. It enables users to explore and order varying types, weights, and sizes of hand-picked, fresh black and white truffles, all from unique climatic and soil conditions.
The launch of Truffle Avenue’s website is a stride towards reshaping perceptions and nurturing appreciation for the rich, varied, and undiscovered truffle-producing regions of Eastern Europe. It debunks the entrenched belief in the exclusivity of Italian truffles, highlighting the distinctive flavors of Romanian truffles.
Horatiu’s mission also serves to recognize the diligent and highly skilled Romanian truffle hunters, spotlighting the untold stories and immense efforts invested in sourcing this delicacy.
Truffle Avenue brings a fresh perspective to the food industry and offers a chance for gourmands to explore new culinary territories.
“In gastronomy, an ingredient’s journey is as crucial as its flavor,” said Horatiu Terpe, founder.
In recent years, the demand to buy fresh truffles has amplified. As this continues, exploration of diverse produce markets is paramount. Truffle Avenue is strategically positioned to meet this growing demand, pioneering a model that ensures truffles are harvested post-order, and truffle delivery occurs overnight to retain maximum flavor for customers.
Truffle Avenue promises the freshest and most premium truffles at competitive prices, linking discerning palates to authentic Romanian truffles and establishing Romania as a crucial contender in the global truffle market. The website’s launch paves the way for households and businesses across America to have easy access to quality Romanian truffles.
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