Gourmet News

Southern Glazer’s Donates $50K for Maui Fire Relief

Published August 24, 2023

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is donating a total of $50,000 to two charities, Maui Strong Fund – Hawaii Community Foundation and Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui, to support Maui fire relief efforts after recent wildfires caused heartbreaking devastation across the island.

Southern Glazer’s is donating $25,000 to the Maui Strong Fund – Hawaii Community Foundation, which is providing financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery in Maui. The company is also donating $25,000 to the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui to help provide immediate assistance to the hardworking restaurant, bar and hospitality workers displaced by the devastating wildfires that have impacted West Maui communities from Lahaina to Kapalua, home of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

In addition to this corporate donation, grassroots efforts have been led by Southern Glazer’s employees to raise nearly $50,000 for a fellow team member who lost their home during the disaster.

“The outpour of support we’ve received from community members, supplier partners, and our Southern Glazer’s family is so greatly appreciated,” said Warren Shon, executive vice president and Hawaii general manager, Southern Glazer’s. “The road to recovery for Maui will be long, but I know that we’ll continue to work together to support our neighbors and organizations that are working around the clock to rebuild our beautiful and resilient island.”

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company. The company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

In 2022, Southern Glazer’s was listed as one of Forbes Best Employers for Diversity. In 2021, Southern Glazer’s was selected as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, as well as named by Newsweek as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve and enjoy its products responsibly.

For news of interest to the alcohol beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

The Fresh Market Raising Funds for Victims of Maui Fires

Published August 23, 2023

The Fresh Market, Inc. is stepping up to support the victims of the devastating fires in Hawaii. The specialty food retailer is hosting a five-day register roundup at all of its stores to raise money for those affected by the Maui fires. The funds raised during the event will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines to provide meals to people impacted by humanitarian, natural and community crises around the globe.

The roundup fundraiser will take place from Wed., Aug. 23, and run through Sun., Aug. 27 in all 160 of The Fresh Market’s stores. During this time, guests are encouraged to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the difference being donated to WCK.

The nonprofit is providing meals to first responders and affected community members, in distribution points and door-to-door wherever needed. Additionally, WCK has positioned food trucks across several severely impacted areas. The WCK Relief team was quick to mobilize soon after the fires spread and has provided more than 50,000 meals to people in need throughout Maui and the Big Island.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the fires in Hawaii and want to do our part to help the victims,” said The Fresh Market CEO Jason Potter. “By supporting World Central Kitchen, we can ensure that those affected by the fires receive nourishing meals during this difficult time. Every cent counts, and even a small contribution can make a big difference in supporting the Maui wildfire relief efforts and helping victims on their path to recovery.

Founded by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen has been supporting communities in need since 2010, providing meals to people affected by natural and manmade disasters. WCK’s Chef Relief Team mobilizes to the frontlines with the urgency of now to start cooking and provide meals to people in need.

Deploying its model of quick action, leveraging local resources, adapting in real time, and by partnering with organizations on the ground, WCK provides freshly made, nutritious meals quickly and effectively, firm in the belief that a humble plate of food is more than a meal – it’s a sign that someone cares.

Voted as the “Best Supermarket in America” by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 and 2021, “America’s Best Customer Service 2021” by Newsweek and Statista and a top 5 most trusted grocery retail brand for specialty and natural/organic foods in the 2022 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, The Fresh Market helps guests discover the best with time-saving meal solutions, unique ingredients, and delicious food for any occasion.

From fresh produce and exceptional meat and seafood to signature baked goods and thousands of organic options, the specialty grocer has something to please every palate. The Fresh Market currently operates 160 stores in 22 states across the United States, inspiring guests to discover new flavors and cook with confidence.

For more news of interest to the grocery industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

GS Foods, PepsiCo Team Up for Maui Fire Relief

Published August 23, 2023

In response to the devastating wildfires in Maui, GS Foods Group has partnered with PepsiCo to support critical relief efforts for impacted communities. Gold Star Foods, a GS Foods Group subsidiary, will provide more than 20,000 shelf-stable meals to the Hawaii Child Nutrition Program and the children in Maui schools through PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good Program.

“Immediate needs – like access to food and reliable nutrition – should be the last thing on the minds of those whose lives, homes and schools have been upended by this natural disaster,” said Sean Leer, CEO, GS Foods Group. “GS Foods Group is proud to team up with PepsiCo to provide crucial, timely resources to communities in Hawaii that support their ongoing recovery.”

As one of the nation’s largest school nutrition providers, GS Foods understands how many families across the United States rely on school meals as a daily source of nutrition. Access to shelf-stable meals will help ensure the nutritional needs of young students affected by the fires are met, easing the strain on families and emergency responders as they continue to respond to the wildfires.

As the wildfire situation evolves, PepsiCo and Gold Star Foods remain committed to providing support and aid to impacted communities.

Gold Star Foods and PepsiCo urge others to support Maui fire relief. Donations can be made online in support of relief efforts to The Salvation Army, American Red Cross and the Maui Food Bank.

For more news of interest to the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.