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Social Purpose Spotlight – Service Ideas, 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 Megan Blohowiak, president, Service Ideas, Inc., Saint Paul, Minn., and a member of NAFEM’s Social Purpose working group. Service Ideas has been partnering with several local food banks for the past few years. According to Blohowiak, “Service Ideas enjoys excellent engagement from our staff; many team members volunteer several times a year.”
The company is actively involved with Second Harvest Heartland and Feed My Starving Children. Second Harvest Heartland works with hundreds of agencies across its 59-county Minnesota and western Wisconsin service area. Feed My Starving Children welcomes volunteers to hand-pack nutritious meals specifically designed to assist in reversing and preventing undernutrition. Blohowiak continues, “We were excited to join NAFEM’s Social Purpose program because the collaboration between our organizations gives us a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need while fostering a sense of unity within Service Ideas by serving others.”
There is a small committee of employees who schedule local volunteer events, drive communication and organize employee participation. According to Blohowiak, social purpose activities create a positive feeling for individuals and Service Ideas strives to make giving back part of their company culture.
Recent volunteer opportunities included outings to both Second Harvest Heartland and Feed My Starving Children. At Second Harvest, associates packed 512 boxes for low-income elderly neighbors and 82 boxes of apples, for a total of 21,000+ pounds of food. At Feed My Starving Children, they packed 62 boxes of food which translates to 13,300+ meals for those in need. Blowhowiak says, “Packing boxes of food and giving them directly to the people who need them left a lasting impression on each of us and it was a wonderful experience for our team.”
If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Blohowiak suggests, “Start with a small group, find an area in the community where they’re interested in helping and just volunteer some time. You will all find it rewarding!”
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.