You’re scrolling through Instagram, trying to find the perfect outfit. If two sweaters are the exact same price and color, how do you decide which to buy? What if one costs a few dollars more but, through your scrolling, you see that the company selling it sent their staff to build a Habitat for Humanity house and that they switched from diesel to hybrid trucks. Would you pay the extra money?
Many people will. In recent years, consumers have started to demand that companies make investments toward programs whose missions have a positive impact on the planet and culture overall. Companies are increasingly looking to be responsible stewards of the environment, society, and governance (ESG). They know that it makes good business sense to develop practices that differentiate themselves. This shift toward ESG practices is not just a trend; it is a necessity driven by the need to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and ethical business practices. What if there was one non-profit that could help a business achieve its ESG goals? Cultivate Food Rescue’s mission of No Neighbor Hungry, No Food Wasted, provides a seamless outlet for corporations looking to establish an ESG framework.
ESG goals, encompassing Environmental, Social, and Governance factors, have emerged as a guiding framework for companies to align their operations with sustainable and ethical practices. As a local example, when Raydia Food Group formed from the merger of Stanz and Troyer, CEO Moe Alkemade was committed to incorporating ESG criteria into operations, saying, “We view our Corporate Social Responsibility as a continuous process of aligning our strategy, operations and business practices with our purpose and core values.”
Out of this mission, a relationship with Cultivate Food Rescue blossomed.
Leadership from both organizations met and realized that their visions overlapped in two main ways; feeding the community and being good stewards of the environment. With two missions so wholly aligned, the only question was, how could we work together cooperatively? Three areas of focus emerged;
- Cultivate will rescue excess food products from Raydia and redistribute them to schools and food pantries in the community. Raydia receives a tax incentive for each food donation made.
- Raydia will commit financial dollars to Cultivate’s operations.
- Raydia will coordinate its employees to volunteer at Cultivate, packaging food on a routine basis.
In May alone, Cultivate received 4,000 pounds of food from Stanz Food/Raydia, including vital protein of ground beef, pork loin and fish. Employees are also scheduled to volunteer for two sessions in June. Director of Outreach, Laura McNally said, “For local organizations looking for ways to commit their ESG resources and dollars, Cultivate is an obvious choice. Diverting excess food reduces carbon emissions, minimizes waste, and conserves natural resources. Volunteerism and community involvement are key to any corporate social responsibility framework. The partnership with Cultivate moves both the environmental and social needles. Raydia recognized this and we are incredibly grateful for their collaboration.”
ESG goals are no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for companies looking to thrive in the 21st century. By embracing environmental sustainability, social accountability, and governance integrity, businesses can not only future-proof their operations but also contribute to building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for generations to come. The time to act is now. Cultivate can help. Contact us today to get started!