Social Purpose Spotlight – EmberGlo Div. of Midco International

In NAFEM’s monthly Social Purpose Spotlight, one member company’s social purpose story is featured. Perhaps reading about the creativity and dedication of fellow 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 Lori Barger, CFSP, National Sales Manager, EmberGlo Div. of Midco International, Chicago, Ill. EmberGlo has been organizing in-house activities such as food drives for many years and in 2024, according to Barger, “we increased our focus by teaming up with NAFEM to work with the Greater Chicago Food Depository as well as joining with a dealership to help the people of North Carolina affected by the hurricane disaster.”

EmberGlo regularly participates in events during the year and at the holidays, also collecting school supplies in the fall and organizing clothing, food & supply drives to address natural disaster relief. Some associates volunteer on their own at food banks, shelters and soup kitchens. Barger adds, “EmberGlo and NAFEM are like-minded with goals of donating and contributing to those in need.”

EmberGlo has seen the need for assistance in the community grow over time. The need for help dovetails with the increased requests from team members who are eager to assist. Barger explains, “our team has enjoyed being involved in these events and they want to do more! They get to spend time with co-workers from other departments, so it’s been a very positive experience for everyone involved.”

A volunteer committee organizes community events, food drives, various collections and any other opportunities that arise to help people locally and beyond. Surveys are deployed to ask employees about how and how often they’d like to volunteer so it’s a structured undertaking across the company. Barger adds, “employees feel great about how much our contributions of time and funds mean to the groups that benefit from our involvement.”

Feed6 is a particularly popular way that EmberGlo and its associates give back. Feed6 organizes meal packaging events in the Chicagoland area, partnering with schools, churches, corporations, and civic organizations. Volunteers assemble nutritional meal packages which are then distributed locally through food banks to food insecure neighbors. EmberGlo’s successful Feed6 event was even covered on the local news last fall.

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Barger suggests, “meet as a team to discuss what is important for your organization and what will motivate the employees to get engaged. Reach out to your local food bank for ideas and resources, set your schedule and enjoy the activities as well as the satisfaction and positive feelings that come from volunteering!”

NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, completed its fifth year in 2024, meeting and exceeding our 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. In 2024, NAFEM matched $319,000 of member contributions to local food banks. The 2025 Social Purpose Program is announced mid-March, after The NAFEM Show.

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.