Social Purpose Spotlight – Winholt Equipment Group

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 Rose Frierson, marketing manager – social purpose ambassador, at Winholt Equipment Group, Woodbury, N.Y., and a member of NAFEM’s Social Purpose Working Group.  Winholt has supported local food banks near all their locations (they have facilities in New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas and California) for 10+ years. Frierson explains, “It’s part of our ‘we care’ company culture and philosophy. Our people truly make a difference locally and they support each other and the communities around them.”

Frierson continues, “giving back fosters a sense of connection and purpose. As a team we want to nourish hope and provide critical support for neighbors in need.” Joining #NAFEMFightingHunger ensures that Winholt’s donations of food and volunteer time are doubled in the communities they serve.

Winholt has a committee devoted to social purpose that creates goals each year and arranges activities. Each facility works with its own HR department to coordinate efforts and quarterly events. Internally, associates are encouraged to contribute ideas and company-wide communication is utilized to solicit social purpose ideas, and recruit volunteers for each initiative.

In addition to fighting hunger through local Feeding America® food banks, Winholt supports the Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund to take care of food and beverage workers needing emergency relief or mental health assistance. Other organizations they’ve supported include the Buffalo Survivors Fund and associates participate in yearly walks for Strides Against Breast Cancer and Out of the Darkness to fight suicide. Winholt matches donations for funds raised in all these efforts.

Frierson believes the hands-on activities are especially meaningful to the Winholt team. “These events allow us to come together and share a goal that can make a lasting impact. Some of our most successful events were a turkey distribution last November and a food drive that was tied to our company’s summer barbecue where associates received a raffle ticket to win prizes for every food donation.”

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Frierson suggests, “visit your local food bank and take a tour. We learned that food banks offer additional programs like assistance with SNAP benefits, workforce skills development, nutrition programs and food donation events specifically geared towards kids, veterans and seniors. There are so many opportunities to help the community.”

NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, launched its sixth year in March. Since 2020, NAFEM members have donated more than 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.