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Social Purpose Spotlight – CAL-MIL Plastic Products, Inc.
In NAFEM’s monthly Social Purpose Spotlight, a different member company’s individual social purpose story is featured. Perhaps reading about the creativity and dedication of these NAFEM members will inspire you to start a program at your organization or provide some new ideas to enhance what you’re already doing.
This month, we talked to Josh Callahan, CFSP, vice president, sales & marketing, CAL-MIL Plastic Products, Inc., Oceanside, Calif. CAL-MIL has participated in social purpose activities for several years, and recently added Feeding America to their community outreach.
“We credit NAFEM’s Social Purpose program with inspiring us to reach out to Feeding San Diego, the local food bank in our area. With our first call, Feeding San Diego immediately identified some great initiatives that CAL-MIL could undertake so we are off and running,” says Callahan.
Prior to the company’s involvement with Feeding San Diego, they’ve organized events in support of Outside the Bowl, Solutions for Change, and the Jesse Rees Foundation as part of CAL-MIL Cares, their organization’s giving-back initiative. CAL-MIL has sponsored two Pairings with a Purpose events in conjunction with Feeding San Diego. Every dinner is completely different, from the chef to the venue, and all proceeds support Feeding San Diego’s hunger relief and food rescue programs in San Diego County.
Just this month, CAL-MIL attended the grand opening of Feeding San Diego’s expanded Marketplace. At the Marketplace, community members are welcomed monthly to shop for no-cost groceries including dry goods, frozen protein, and fresh produce. The new venue enables Feeding San Diego to better serve their neighbors with a bigger facility and expanded service hours. Callahan adds, “We’re excited to add Feeding San Diego to our program. So far, our efforts have provided 146,000 meals!”
Giving back is at the heart of everything they do at CAL-MIL. Associates have an internal committee to organize social purpose activities and there have been many participants in various events. During the holidays last year, CAL-MIL associates filled 300+ jars with toys to be delivered to children in hospitals who are fighting cancer. They’re in the process of organizing a full day of volunteering at Feeding San Diego and the enthusiasm is high.
If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Callahan has some advice, “Jump in with both feet! Any initiative that makes the lives of others better, whether in your own community or beyond, is such a great opportunity to engage your employees and promote an environment of giving.”
NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, is back for its fifth year, with a goal of raising funds to support 6.5 million meals for those in need. When members donate funds, food or volunteer time to their local Feeding America member food banks or any local food bank, NAFEM contributes matching funds. This year, NAFEM will match up to $300,000 of member contributions to local food banks.
For ideas to start or enhance your company’s efforts, visit #NAFEMFightingHunger. If you have questions or would like to be featured in a future Social Purpose Spotlight, contact NAFEM Headquarters, +1.312.821.0201.