Social Purpose Spotlight – IMC/Teddy Food Service Corp.

In NAFEM’s monthly Social Purpose Spotlight, a different member company’s individual social purpose story is featured. Perhaps reading about the creativity and dedication of these 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 Suzanne Meno, Managing Director, IMC/Teddy Food Service Corp., Amityville, N.Y. IMC/Teddy recently initiated a social purpose program and experienced a favorable outcome both for the community and for the organization. They partnered with Island Harvest, which functions as a food bank and a food distribution center in their local area. Island Harvest features targeted services for individuals, veterans, families, and seniors as well as a Workforce Skills Development Institute. Meno explains, “For many years, IMC wanted to be more involved in our community and NAFEM’s social purpose initiative gave us an avenue to do so. We learned that hunger affects 44+ million people in the U.S., and we can help by coming together as a community to make meaningful contributions.”

The organization announced a three-week food & fund drive earlier this summer. The inaugural goal was to collect 50 pounds of donated food items. The IMC team responded enthusiastically and at the end of the drive, a total of 241 pounds of food had been collected, in addition to $1,000 in monetary donations. The combination of food and funds culminated in 2,200+ meals for Island Harvest to provide to the local community which was an impressive outcome.

Many members of IMC staff volunteer and contribute on their own but raising the company’s profile with group social purpose activities is a win-win. Meno continues, “We feel that our first food drive gave our team a sense of motivation and confidence that will carry over to the next opportunity. Contributing to a great cause makes our associates feel engaged, loyal and positive.”

A small internal committee of three individuals has been tasked with researching and contacting a variety of local organizations, including Island Harvest, so they can increase the frequency of their social purpose outings. IMC plans to continue with an annual food & fund drive while expanding its support of other charitable organizations as well.

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Meno suggests, “Form a committee to research options and establish goals. Talk with local agencies and see what their expectations are. Most importantly, be organized and set realistic deadlines.”

NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, is back for its fifth year, with a 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. This year, NAFEM will match up to $300,000 of member contributions to local food banks. 

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.