Strong community relations are more than a goodwill gesture to many companies in the food and logistics industries — they are a business imperative.
Such community relations initiatives operate at the heart of local economies, sourcing ingredients, employing community members, and serving as vital links in the food supply chain. By investing in meaningful community partnerships, companies not only strengthen their reputations but also foster loyalty among consumers who want to support brands that share their values.
Community relations efforts take many forms, from hunger relief donations and food bank partnerships to educational programs, local farm support, and sustainability initiatives. These efforts help address critical social issues, such as food insecurity and nutrition awareness, while demonstrating that food companies and their partners are committed to more than profits. In turn, such actions build trust, strengthen brand identity, and deepen connections with customers, employees and partners.
Ultimately, community relations give companies an opportunity to create positive impact beyond their products. By engaging with local needs and contributing to broader societal goals, they help ensure long-term success for their businesses and the communities they serve. Here are a few examples of the good work companies in the food industry are doing.
In 2024, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in the U.S. alone, which marks the fifth consecutive year shelters are experiencing more intakes than outcomes, according to Shelter Animals Count. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global pet food company focused on producing science-based, premium nutrition for cats and dogs, has been on a quest in collaboration with shelters and veterinarians nationwide to end pet homelessness.
In addition, since 2002 the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Program (HFSL) has partnered with animal shelters across the country, focusing on the three pillars through actions like: feeding shelter pets, increasing adoptions, improving outcomes, and keeping people and pets together. Since its inception in North America, the program has provided more than $300 million science-led nutrition to more than 1,000 animal shelters. HFSL also has supported more than 15 million shelter pet adoptions.
In addition, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network provides critical nutritional support to pets, their families and the organizations on the front lines. This commitment was exemplified as Hill’s responded to all of the major U.S. natural disasters over the past 15 months, including Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, and the Los Angeles Wildfires — ensuring support when and where it was needed most. Over the past 12 years, this network has donated more than 4.4 million pounds of food to help care for the pets impacted in disasters and supported 1,100-plus shelters, veterinary clinics and non-profit organizations.
Publix works with nonprofit organizations to help neighbors in need by providing resources, hope, and positive experiences.
Each year, Publix invites customers and associates to donate to March of Dimes to protect moms and babies, and help them get the support and care they need. In 2025, Publix raised nearly $5.4 million, earning the company the prestigious honor of being the non-profit’s number one corporate partner for the tenth year in a row. Since 1995, Publix raised more than $100 million at the point of sale for March of Dimes.
In 2025, customers and associates helped raise more than $5.2 million to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Over a 30-year partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Publix customers and associates have donated over $73 million to member hospitals throughout the Southeast. Whenever a donation is given, it goes to the nearest designated facility, ensuring that local dollars help local kids.
Every January, Publix raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics, the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Associates and customers can choose to donate by purchasing a paper torch at the register. All campaign funds raised will directly support local and statewide athletic programs. In January 2025, Publix raised nearly $5.3 million to Special Olympics — bringing total donations since 1993 to more than $81 million.
Ardent Mills has a long-standing partnership with the Food Bank of the Rockies. To date, the flour-milling and ingredient company has donated 4.2 million meals and its Colorado team members have volunteered hundreds of hours to help provide thousands of meals to those in need across Colorado and Wyoming.
Whole Foods Market Foundation has awarded over $3.4 million since 2016 to nonprofits focused on fresh food access and nutrition education — including a transformational program to these kids in Jasper Elementary School in Indiana. In 2024, the program supported 477 grants in 161 cities, with 300 team members participating in community projects.
Aldi works with its network of 25 warehouses and suppliers to provide Feeding America with everything from baby food, diapers, ready-to-eat items and water bottles to bleach and cleaning supplies. This past year, employees and customers donated more than $400,000 to Feeding America and donated an additional $250,000.
McDonald’s commitment to serving communities has helped Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) positively impact millions of families and expand core programs and services through direct donations, in-kind services, and volunteering. RMHC operates 380-plus Ronald McDonald House programs in 62 countries and regions worldwide.
Butterball team members partner with local organizations to meet critical needs of their communities, from disaster relief and holiday donations to youth programs. Team members in Huntsville, AR, sponsor high school athletics, support 4H programs, and participate in Kiwanis charity drives.
Simplot Company supports causes in the communities and industries it operates. From donating products to helping feed people in need, Simplot and its employees support ongoing efforts that make their communities better places to live, including the recent Meat & Tater Idaho BBQ Fest in Meridian, ID.
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