Social Purpose Spotlight – Vivreau USA LP

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 Davin Wickstrom, director of industry relations, Vivreau USA LP, Rockaway, N.J. Vivreau fosters a spirit of giving, allowing associates to support the communities in which they live. Employees receive paid time off for engaging in social purpose activities, according to Wickstrom, and his Illinois-based team has been working with the Northern Illinois Food Bank for the last three years.

Wickstrom explains, “In this industry, we are blessed with amazing networking opportunities, educational sessions and social events. Social purpose activities allow us to pause and help those in need. An association like NAFEM can and does make a difference; food is a basic need and NAFEM’s Social Purpose Program gets back to basics.”

Vivreau’s headquarters is in Vancouver, B.C., operations are in Rockaway, N.J., and there are multiple remote teams across the United States and Canada. The company has a Health, Wellness & Living group to organize and engage associates and because many people are remote, they are encouraged to support programs which best support their local communities. Leaders are designated from each segment of the business who act as the voice for each individual team. Wickstrom continues, “In Vancouver, much of the focus would be around cleaning up beaches and the oceans of single use plastics and garbage. In New Jersey, and with my Illinois team, we are feeding our communities.”

Wickstrom believes when individuals tap into something greater than themselves, great things occur. “Servant leadership is contagious,” he explains, “and when our associates engage in social programs, they are more engaged, better employees.” The company believes that a foundation of giving allows associates to see the wider world and know they are making a difference.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank focuses on delivering food and healthy eating services to the Northern Illinois community, serving neighbors in 13 counties with four distribution centers, and providing 250,000 meals per day. Most recently, Wickstrom’s team participated in filling food bags for distribution across Northern Illinois and associates had fun competing to see who could fill the most bags. Vivreau celebrates each location’s activities through an internal network and the Illinois team shared stories of giving through the years and the positive impact social purpose has on people’s lives.

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Wickstrom suggests, “Just start, don’t over-think it! Find a group that resonates with you and your community, then engage your coworkers and take the first step!”

NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, just launched its sixth year. Since 2020, NAFEM members have donated nearly 43 million meals to neighbors 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.

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.