Social Purpose Spotlight

In NAFEM’s bimonthly 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 Larry Levine, client & industry partnership manager, NSF, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Levine joined NAFEM’s social purpose working group four years ago, and that’s when his volunteer efforts began too. “This has become a very important and recognized effort for me, personally and professionally. It gives me great satisfaction to volunteer and provide food and other items to those in need,” Levine explains.

NSF has many teams and business units around the country and beyond. The company is committed to supporting local communities while encouraging team engagement and social responsibility.  Throughout the United States, NSF has groups of individuals who facilitate company social engagements, including volunteering. The groups, “NSFCares” are engaged locally. “Our internal business resource groups strengthen inclusion, engagement and leadership capability across the organization and participation has increased 70% over the past year,” Levine adds.

Levine handles the coordination of volunteer efforts with Feeding America across NSF. Though he resides in Florida and personally serves at Feeding Tampa Bay, the bulk of NSF’s efforts are with Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor, Mich. Food Gatherers supports a network of 140+ community partners with free and low-cost food, deliveries, and training. NSF is recognized as a corporate partner of Food Gatherers, due to their consistent involvement and high level of donations. Levine says, “it’s been very rewarding to coordinate volunteer and fundraising with the generosity of NAFEM. The continuous appreciation extended to me and to NSF after these events is gratifying.”

In 2025, Levine coordinated a volunteer time off (VTO) week that included team members in Michigan, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, California and Mexico. Feeding America was the recipient of everyone’s efforts and NSF subsequently decided to make it an annual event. Beyond the United States, NSF associates participated in environmental clean-up efforts in South Korea, food distribution and hygiene education with community partners in Thailand, digital learning support for students in India and food redistribution efforts in Germany.

Also in 2025, Levine participated with other NAFEM members on a volunteer day at Atlanta Community Food Bank. Along with 15+ associates from Premier Metal & Glass (PMG, Inc.) and Hoshizaki America, Inc., the group set a record at the food bank. They packed 38 pallets comprising 30,000 lbs. of food for the elderly. NAFEM’s match added another $1,400 to the day’s accomplishments, making it an incredibly successful (and fun) endeavor.

Organizing social purpose activities has been satisfying for Levine, personally and professionally. NSF associates continually comment on how much they enjoyed their experiences and look forward to more opportunities. Levine notes, “whenever I explain to people how much they are helping and then add in the impact of NAFEM’s matching funds, it always provides joy. Being able to encourage volunteering is incredibly rewarding.”

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative Levine suggests, “Just jump in! All the food banks I’ve interacted with are super helpful and usually have a good website where you can sign up and read about what’s involved and who they support. There’s always something you can do to be helpful.”

NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, launched its seventh year in March. Since 2020, NAFEM members have donated more than 50 million meals to neighbors in need. When members donate funds, food, equipment & supplies 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.