Company : Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.
Program category : 2021 Food

Origins:

AWG Cares is AWG’s employee charitable foundation. Employees have two ways to participate in their charitable giving: Employee Hardship Fund and Charitable Giving. The employee hardship fund was created to provide a way for employees to help fellow employees who may be facing financial hardship. The charitable giving fund focuses on three main pillars: disaster relief, medical research, and hunger/ homeless programs. Employees nominate charities and local community organizations for grants from the foundation. AWG also donates all short-dated product to local food banks in the areas where our distribution centers operate. Through its product donation program, AWG is one of the largest contributors to local area food banks in each of the communities in which it operates. AWG is thrilled to be able to make certain all of our products are utilized in our communities.

Contribution:

AWG Cares: AWG matches up to $250 per employee up to $35,000 per year. We have strong community participation among employees, and as a result, the foundation has always been able to claim AWG's corporate match in full. Grants are often made to hunger/homeless programs during each grant review cycle. Food Bank Donations: AWG's in-kind donations to local area food banks (collectively) for 2021 are anticipated to exceed $4,000,000.

Objectives:

AWG Cares: Employees can make donations through payroll deductions or one-time donations to the fund any time during the year. We have also partnered with vendors to provide for incentives to employees to participate in AWG Cares throughout the year. Additionally, our vendor partners have graciously donated product to local food banks. Throughout the year, employees who donate to the AWG Cares fund for organizations can submit grant requests for charitable organizations that fall within the three pillars: disaster relief, medical research, and hunger/ homeless programs. An all-employee committee, the AWG Cares Advisory Committee, meets quarterly to review grant requests and distribute funds to selected charities. Food Bank Donations: Eliminate food waste and support healthy eating programs within each community in which AWG's warehouses are located.

Impact:

AWG Cares: In 2021, AWG Cares has provided $42,500 to organizations fighting hunger/homelessness. Since its inception in 2017, AWG Cares has made over 100 grants to organizations nominated by employees of AWG and its subsidiaries. AWG Cares has donated over $230,000 to charitable organizations in the communities where our employees work and live. Food Bank Donations: AWG's in-kind donations to local area food banks (collectively) for 2021 are anticipated to exceed $4,000,000.

Quote:

“AWG Cares offers our teammates the opportunity to donate to local organizations that are making a positive impact in their communities. Specifically, it offers them a chance to nominate an organization that is close to their heart to receive a grant from the fund. Giving our teammates the opportunity to nominate organizations they care about allows them to be even more involved in the giving process and allows AWG Cares to spread the love to multiple organizations throughout the year.” David Smith, AWG President and CEO

"Your gift will continue to provide meals, a safe and clean house and a loving community - even in the midst of this chaotic time. Your kindness does not go unnoticed. Our families feel your support and are appreciative for the care and warmth you have provided in the midst of difficulty." Tami Greenber, Chief Executive Officer Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City

Support Statement:

"Your gift will continue to provide meals, a safe and clean house and a loving community - even in the midst of this chaotic time. Your kindness does not go unnoticed. Our families feel your support and are appreciative for the care and warmth you have provided in the midst of difficulty." Tami Greenber, Chief Executive Officer Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.