Social Purpose Spotlight

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 Sarah Bullock, CSR Manager, Antunes, Carol Stream, Ill. As part of its team-building initiatives, Antunes has encouraged associates to engage in volunteer opportunities for many years. However, Bullock explains, “In 2021, because food insecurity was increasing locally, we formalized volunteer activities during work hours at local food banks on a monthly basis. This schedule was ultimately adjusted to a quarterly format this year.”

Antunes has a charity events committee to actively seek out new volunteer opportunities to support the local community and to raise funds for its corporate charity, Splash. Splash is a non-profit organization committed to bringing clean water to children living in impoverished areas throughout the world, including Nepal, China, India, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Bullock continues, “Our team members are consistently enthusiastic about participating in our volunteer opportunities, especially because we allow them to participate during work hours and our Dollars for Doers program offers people $25/hour for volunteering.”

Northern Illinois Food Bank, Antunes’ local food bank, has seen increased need so the company is committed to being innovative to address the growing need. Antunes has participated in NAFEM’s social purpose working group since its inception, with Jane Bullock, the company’s chief purpose officer, as a longtime member. “Joining NAFEM’s social purpose program was crucial for us,” Bullock explains, “It enables us to make a significant impact through volunteering, offering donations for doers and then benefiting from NAFEM’s matching funds.”

Antunes offers many volunteer opportunities to team members throughout the year. They organize quarterly events at local food banks and twice a year they provide transportation for team members to these food banks. In-house service projects are popular too, including packing birthday party theme bags and creating cards for seniors in conjunction with Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. Additionally, they host pond and stream clean-up activities on company property to help preserve the natural surroundings.

One particularly memorable activity took place in 2023 when Antunes hosted an in-house food packaging event called Pack of Hope. More than 150 team members collaborated assembly-line style to pack 500 meals for local families. Because of their expertise in efficient assembly, Antunes completed the task in less than two hours.

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative Bullock suggests, “Start with small steps, focusing on one activity at a time. Volunteers will naturally spread the word, encouraging others to join. If you can, provide opportunities for team members to volunteer during work hours so it’s a team-building activity and having executives volunteer with everyone else highlights the importance of social purpose within the organization.”

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.