Simply Organic Awards $150,000 to Combat Food Insecurity Through Innovative Nonprofit Programs

Key Takeaways:

• Simply Organic, a leader in organic herbs, spices, flavors, and seasonings, has awarded $150,000 to five organizations to address food insecurity through its Giving Fund Grant Program.
• The 2024 grantees were selected for their unique approaches to tackling gaps in the food assistance system, including nutrition, access, and cultural needs.
• Recipients include Dion’s Chicago Dream, Emergency Food Network, Matthew 25, Project Worthmore, and Sharing Excess, each offering innovative solutions to improve access to healthy, organic food in their communities.
• Simply Organic’s commitment aligns with its core values to increase access to healthy foods and supports a wide range of initiatives from direct produce delivery to “pay-it-forward” cafés and agricultural training for refugees.

Grant Recipients and Their Impactful Programs

Simply Organic’s Giving Fund Grant Program for 2024 highlights organizations making significant strides in combating food insecurity with creative and culturally sensitive initiatives:

1. Dion’s Chicago Dream receives a $40,000 grant to expand its Dream Deliveries program in the Chicagoland area, delivering pre-measured produce directly to residents, reducing food waste, and building community through nutritional philanthropy.
2. Emergency Food Network is awarded $15,000 to support Mother Earth Farm in Pierce County, Washington. The farm grows over 100 varieties of organic produce for local food pantries, catering to diverse cultural backgrounds and ensuring access to fresh, significant food.
3. Matthew 25‘s Groundswell Café in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, benefits from a $15,000 grant. This unique “pay-it-forward” eatery allows guests to enjoy organic meals regardless of their ability to pay, promoting food accessibility and community support.
4. Project Worthmore receives a $50,000 grant to enhance operations at DeLaney Community Farm and the Yu Meh Food Share Program in Denver, Colorado. This initiative supports refugees through sustainable agriculture training, education, and employment, expanding access to healthy foods.
5. Sharing Excess is granted $30,000 to launch a second Wholesale Food Rescue program at Hunts Point Produce Market in New York City. This Philadelphia-based nonprofit focuses on bridging the gap between food surplus and scarcity by rescuing and redistributing excess food to needy people.

Fostering Community and Nutrition

Sheryl Marchetti, senior director of marketing for Simply Organic, emphasizes the brand’s dedication to partnering with organizations that offer innovative solutions to food insecurity. These grants are a testament to Simply Organic’s mission to ensure more communities have access to healthy, organic food options, reflecting the brand’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable food systems.

A Legacy of Giving

Since its establishment in 2001, the Simply Organic Giving Fund has contributed over $2.5 million to projects globally, focusing since 2018 on addressing food insecurity in the United States and Canada. Through partnerships with organizations dedicated to providing access to healthy organic food, Simply Organic continues to make a meaningful impact on food-insecure communities, demonstrating the power of corporate philanthropy in addressing critical social challenges.