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 Mae Fairchild, senior trade show & media event manager, Hamilton Beach Brands, Glen Allen, Va. Hamilton Beach has supported their local food bank for 25+ years. Fairchild adds, “members of our organization have volunteered for many years. Our involvement began by organizing food drives and donating food left over from product testing.”

Hamilton Beach Brands has a charitable contributions committee tasked with identifying and reviewing local charities to partner with each year. Once the organizations are identified, local volunteer opportunities are communicated to all associates. Fairchild continues, “the committee also arranges presentations from charitable partners so employees can connect first-hand to ask questions and learn more about each organization’s mission.”

Hamilton Beach Brands’ initial involvement with their local food bank, Feed More, Richmond, Va., has expanded over the years. The company makes a monetary donation annually and associates can participate in various ways. Fairchild explains, “we’ve volunteered with preparing and delivering meals, sorted/stocked/assisted at local food banks, organized companywide food and monetary donations drives, packed backpacks for children, and more. We always encourage our team to participate in volunteering opportunities.”  

As communities have grown and the cost of living continually increases, they’ve seen an increase in need throughout the local area. During the pandemic, the need increased sharply because children didn’t have access to school meals and people lost jobs. The company values the ability to partner with NAFEM through the Social Purpose program.  “We make a much bigger impact by doubling our donations and expanding our reach from local to national to help those facing hunger,” says Fairchild.

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative Fairchild suggests, “reach out to your local food bank to find volunteering opportunities.  Based on current inventory, the food banks will also let you know what foods they need most when organizing a food drive. It’s easy to get started – the food banks are great to work with and are typically excited for people to take a hands-on interest in their community.”

As an example of filling a specific need, the local food bank requested peanut butter donations when they were running very low. Hamilton Beach Brands decided to create a friendly “Peanut Butter Push Competition” between the departments to see who could donate the most peanut butter.  Fairchild concludes, “the fun-filled rivalry not only generated lots of enthusiasm and creative spirit, but due to the overwhelming response from our employees, FeedMore used the “Peanut Butter Push” concept to help other organizations increase their corporate food drive donations.” 

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.