As we gather around the table this holiday season, reflecting on the year’s blessings, there’s a profound opportunity for restaurants to give back to the communities that have supported them. GiftAMeal, the cause-marketing program I’m proud to lead as Founder & CEO, offers a unique avenue for restaurants to make a meaningful impact this holiday season.
GiftAMeal and Restaurants: Making a Difference this Holiday Season – Food & Beverage Magazine
This has been a transformative year for GiftAMeal, and I’m thrilled to share the milestones we’ve achieved together. With over 900 restaurant partners nationwide, GiftAMeal has become a beacon of positive change in the industry. Our reach has expanded to 37 states, a testament to the collective dedication of our partners and the communities we serve.
In October 2023, we reached a new record impact, providing 53,449 meals in a single month to families in need through over 100 local food banks. To date, GiftAMeal has distributed 1,639,499 meals, translating to nearly 2 million pounds of food. It’s a remarkable testament to what can be accomplished when businesses and communities come together.
Our commitment to making a positive impact has not gone unnoticed. GiftAMeal was honored to receive the Grand Prize in Amazon Business’ 2023 Small Business Grant, standing out among 35,000 national applicants. This recognition underscores the significance of our collective efforts and the positive change we’re driving.
Reflecting on this journey, I am immensely grateful for the support and enthusiasm that the GiftAMeal community has shown. The impact we’ve made wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our restaurant partners, staff, and the communities that have embraced our mission.
For restaurants, the decision to join GiftAMeal goes beyond traditional philanthropy. Our growing list of partners includes a diverse range of establishments, from local favorites to nationwide chains, all sharing a common goal – to give back to their communities.
This holiday season, as families come together to share a meal, GiftAMeal provides an opportunity for restaurants to extend that spirit of togetherness beyond their doors. The emotional connection fostered by our feel-good experience is not only changing lives but also enhancing customer loyalty. Guests from partner restaurants return 39% more frequently, spend 20% more per visit, and tip 32% more than standard patrons.
Our journey is fortified by the guidance of our distinguished Advisory Board, composed of industry veterans and thought-leaders such as Phil Crawford, CTO of CKE Restaurants, and Andrew Rebhun, Chief Experience Officer of CAVA. Their endorsement underscores the transformative impact of GiftAMeal’s platform on hunger relief in communities across the country.
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For restaurants seeking a meaningful way to give back this holiday season, GiftAMeal offers a compelling opportunity. By becoming a partner, you’re not just providing meals; you’re creating a positive ripple effect in your community.
As we express gratitude for the abundance in our lives, let’s remember the power we have to make a difference in the lives of others. This season, I invite restaurants to join GiftAMeal in the spirit of giving, creating a legacy of impact that extends far beyond the holiday season. Together, we can make this holiday season a celebration of gratitude and generosity for all.
