Soup’s on, following donation to Student Food Pantry
- Amy's Kitchen made a historic donation to Southern Oregon University's Student Food Pantry, highlighting the company's commitment to community support and ensuring access to nutritious food for students in need.
- The donation will enhance the pantry's ability to provide essential non-perishable items and occasional perishable goods, directly benefiting SOU students facing food insecurity and improving their well-being and academic performance.
- Amy's Kitchen is dedicated to community engagement, offering comprehensive benefits to employees, supporting local educational initiatives, and collaborating with food banks to assist low-income residents and those with dietary restrictions.
Culture every morning
Always be up-to-date. Get the freshest on culture, every morning to your inbox.
Southern Oregon University’s Student Food Pantry Receives Largest Donation Ever
In a heartwarming gesture that highlights the community's dedication to supporting its most vulnerable members, Amy's Kitchen, a renowned organic food company, has made one of the largest-ever donations to Southern Oregon University's Student Food Pantry. This generous contribution underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food, regardless of their financial situation.
About Amy's Kitchen
Amy's Kitchen is a family-owned company that has been at the forefront of organic and vegetarian meal production for over three decades. Founded by Rachel and Andy Berliner during their daughter Amy's pregnancy, the company was born out of a need for healthy, ready-made meals. Since its inception, Amy's Kitchen has grown significantly, now serving over 210 million meals annually to more than 14 million consumers.
Why Medford?
Amy's Kitchen chose Medford as its new production site in the early 2000s due to its favorable business climate and proximity to California. The region's skilled workforce and cost advantages made it an ideal location for expanding operations. With a 188,000 square foot facility in White City, Amy's quickly established itself as a major player in the food manufacturing industry, initially producing 25 pizza products and employing 250 staff members. Today, the facility boasts six food production lines, producing 218 different products each year, including pizzas, soups, chilis, and gluten-free burritos.
Community Engagement
Amy's Kitchen is deeply committed to supporting its local community. The company offers comprehensive benefits to its employees and their families, including an on-site health center operated by Vera Whole Health, providing free primary care and medical prescriptions. Additionally, Amy's offers college scholarships to the children of its employees, demonstrating its dedication to nurturing future generations.
Beyond its employee benefits, Amy's actively supports the broader local community. The company hosts externships for local teachers to learn about career opportunities in the food industry and donates to various educational institutions. Moreover, Amy's collaborates with the Oregon Food Bank and ACCESS to donate food to those in need, ensuring low-income residents and individuals with dietary restrictions have access to essential food items.
The Student Food Pantry at SOU
Southern Oregon University’s Student Food Pantry is a vital resource for students facing food insecurity. The pantry aims to alleviate the effects of hunger and poverty, promoting human dignity and academic success. Students can visit the pantry weekly to access up to ten non-perishable food items, occasional perishable items, and an unlimited amount of personal hygiene products. The pantry operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, with occasional “add-ons” such as eggs, produce, pastries, and bread available from time to time.
Accessing the Pantry
To access the pantry, students simply need to check in at the Belonging and Engagement office in SU 312. Food assistance is available during regular business hours, with students able to visit once per week. The pantry also offers resources like SNAP, Raiders Helping Raiders, and ACCESS Food Pantry Network to supplement students' nutrition needs. These programs help students facing financial strain or those who do not have reliable access to food.
The Impact of Amy's Kitchen's Donation
Amy's Kitchen's donation to the Student Food Pantry is a significant step towards addressing food insecurity among SOU students. This contribution not only provides immediate relief but also underscores the importance of community support in higher education. With this donation, Amy’s has set a precedent for corporate responsibility and community engagement.
How the Donation Will Help
The donation will directly benefit the SOU Student Food Pantry by stocking its shelves with essential non-perishable items. This influx of food will help ensure that students can access nutritious meals throughout the semester, thereby improving their overall well-being and academic performance. Additionally, the pantry can now offer more frequent "add-ons" like eggs, produce, pastries, and bread, further enhancing its services.
Conclusion
Amy's Kitchen's generous donation to the SOU Student Food Pantry is a testament to the power of corporate social responsibility and community engagement. By supporting students in their time of need, Amy’s is not only helping to alleviate hunger but also fostering a stronger, more supportive community. As we move forward, it is heartening to see companies like Amy’s prioritizing the well-being of their neighbors, reminding us all that every small act of kindness can make a significant difference.
For more information on Amy's Kitchen and its community initiatives, you can visit their website or contact them directly at [email protected]. To learn more about the Student Food Pantry and how you can contribute, please visit the SOU Student Life website or email [email protected]. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive community for all.
