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Social Purpose Spotlight – Hoshizaki America, 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 Sally Ray, CFSP, vice president of marketing, Hoshizaki America, Inc., Decatur, Ga., and a member of NAFEM’s Social Purpose working group. Hoshizaki has been partnering with the Atlanta Community Foodbank since the fall of 2022 and embraces feeding people as the goal for the entire foodservice E&S industry. The organization also is committed to supporting local groups in order to enhance its brand, which results in hiring and retaining quality employees. According to Ray, “It is a global and regional initiative of Hoshizaki to be more socially and community focused as an organization, and this is a fantastic way to be more involved.”
In addition to volunteering at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which is the central hub in the fight against hunger in Atlanta and north Georgia, the Hoshizaki team has donated food, volunteered their time at the local MidWest Food Bank in Peachtree City, Ga., as well as holding a bake sale to raise funds for Feeding America.
There are two committees at Hoshizaki, a social committee and an activities committee. The social committee is a group of management representatives from different departments who come together to identify internal and external activities. Recently, a Red Cross blood drive was held on site. Ray continues, “Our social purpose activities make people feel seen, cared for and part of the Hoshizaki community, as well as the local community and the larger NAFEM community.”
Recently, individuals from several Hoshizaki departments worked as a team at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. They were among 50+ volunteers from a variety of companies, who created an assembly line to fill food boxes for local seniors. Each person had a specific item that they had to add to the box and the group got really good at double checking themselves and each other to make sure each item was added in the proper quantity to maintain consistency across the food boxes. Ray added, “It was such a great collaborative effort that would have taken so much longer if we hadn’t been working together as a team!”
If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Ray suggests, “Start small! It doesn’t have to be a huge corporate commitment. A small group of passionate employees who want to make a difference will inspire others to join in and it will become a movement.”
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.