During the pandemic, convenience retailers tapped into their dairy roots to support communities with much-need milk donations.
Weigel’s, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, donated 60,000 gallons of milk for those in need in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and Second Harvest Food Bank of North East Tennessee.
“We feel compelled to help our neighbors during this global yet local crisis,” said Bill Weigel, chairman of Weigel’s. “We’re in the food business. Many of our neighbors have lost their jobs and are struggling to put food on their tables, so it seemed natural we could contribute in this way.”
Weigel’s selected Second Harvest Food Bank as the one to distribute the vouchers for the milk. “They have been helping our local folks over many years and know how to get these vouchers out to where it’s needed most,” he said. “We knew they were the perfect match, and we appreciate their desire to work with us.”
Kwik Trip, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, aided local dairy farmers with excess milk supplies and families in need of food during the pandemic. The company teamed with State Farm Insurance to help save the milk from ruin and help families in need.
Kwik Trip processed the milk in its own dairy plant, and 300 State Farm agents handed out 54,000 vouchers for free gallons of milk. Vouchers also were made available to local food banks to distribute.
“The family then takes the voucher from the food pantry or the agent and goes to the Kwik Trip to get that milk,” said John McHugh, director of public relations, Kwik Trip. “Part of our mission at Kwik Trip is to make a difference in the lives of others. Teaming up with State Farm helps our communities and our local dairy farmers in a special way in these challenging times.”
Together, Kwik Trip and State Farm contributed more than $120,000 to the project, which also did double duty. June is Dairy Month in Wisconsin, a time when local farmers invite the public to visit their facilities.
“Many of those farmers host a ‘dairy breakfast,’ which in the past has been supported by Kwik Trip. But because of the pandemic this year, the farm tours and breakfasts were canceled,” said McHugh. “This effort is another way to support our farmers and remind everyone that Wisconsin is the dairy state.”
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Honor Speedway
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals recognized Speedway and its approximately 3,900 locations for its outstanding partnership and commitment to supporting the network of member children’s hospitals by naming the company as the Corporate Partner of the Year for 2019.
“Speedway really is fueling miracles,” said Teri Nestel, interim president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “The company saw a remarkable 25% fundraising increase in 2019 to $11.8 million thanks to some innovative campaigns like the coloring book, growth in their annual golf tournament and the launch of the pin pad donation ask.”
Most funds come year-round from customers, business partners and employees who contribute via a new donation prompt while checking out or in donation canisters at each store. Speedway’s West Coast expansion allowed the company to support 17 new CMN Hospitals and broaden its reach to 80 CMN Hospitals across America.
"As a proud partner with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals since 1991, we are more than honored to be named their Corporate Partner of the Year for 2019," said Tim Griffith, Speedway president. "Thank you for the incredible recognition and to all of our dedicated employees and customers for making this possible."
Speedway also celebrated a new fundraising record of $2.7 million at its annual Speedway Miracle Tournament, one of the largest golf fundraising tournaments held to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Speedway has raised more than $121 million for the children’s charity through various fundraising activities since 1991.
Mendez Fuel Feeds Its Community
When restaurants were forced to close during the early months of the nationwide pandemic, Miami, Florida-based Mendez Fuel stepped in to provide about 150 to 170 meals a day to locals.
“We developed new, loyal customers through this who hadn’t come into our store before,” said Michael Mendez, owner of the four-store company. Regular customers and vendors also helped by sponsoring the meals, with donations of paper products, chips or popcorn. The store gave away 6,500 free meals from April 8 through May 26.
Community members shared their gratitude with Mendez Fuel, such as this message: “Dear Mr. Mendez, I want to thank you for being so nice to people like me by donating lunch during the COVID-19 pandemic, as I was having a hard time making ends meet with my rent and food expenses.”
For Mendez, the pandemic has accelerated some of the business ideas he’s had, such as exploring a full-service model for pumping gas, expanding the store’s online delivery options and working on a mobile app. “Instead of on our five-year horizon, all of these things have been fast-forwarded because of COVID-19,” he said.