Social Purpose Spotlight – CDN

In NAFEM’s monthly Social Purpose Spotlight, one member company’s social purpose story is featured. Perhaps reading about the creativity and dedication of fellow NAFEM members will inspire you to start a program at your organization or provide some new ideas to enhance what you’re already doing.

This month, we talked to Shawn DiGruccio, executive vice president, CDN, Portland, Ore., and a former member of NAFEM’s Social Purpose Working Group. In addition to donating to the Oregon Food Bank, CDN has given more than 11,000 cooking thermometers to Catalyst Kitchens over the last 10 years. The Oregon Food Bank collects and distributes food across Oregon and Southwest Washington, helping ensure free food is available to everyone experiencing food insecurity. DiGruccio adds, “it’s always meaningful when I can volunteer to pack boxes at the Oregon Food Bank, knowing that this will help serve families and put food on their tables.

Catalyst Kitchens is a national network of organizations with teaching kitchens that seek to end joblessness through foodservice job training and social enterprise. CDN has been working with Catalyst Kitchens for over a decade and is one of their longest in-kind partners and DiGruccio also served on their Advisory Board. She explains, “through our partnership with Catalyst Kitchens, I’ve packed our cooking thermometers for distribution to graduates of the member programs, knowing that these newly trained chefs will start their careers understanding the importance of food safety.”

CDN believes that NAFEM serves an essential purpose in bringing the foodservice industry together, allowing member companies to do more to make the world a better place by working together to provide bigger solutions at scale. CDN also puts a priority on networking in the industry. DiGruccio says, “you cannot spend time in foodservice without encountering the stellar reputations of Feeding America and Catalyst Kitchens. These encounters will spark creative ideas on how you can help.  And witnessing the impact of your contributions only makes you want to give more in the future.”

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative DiGruccio suggests, “start with your passion and work from there.  For CDN, we’re all about helping people cook and serve food.  There’s a direct line from this mission to the organizations we support. Remember that there are many ways to donate – with money, time, talent and/or product donations.”

NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, launched its sixth year in March. Since 2020, NAFEM members have donated more than 43 million meals to neighbors in need. When members donate funds, food or volunteer time to their local Feeding America member food banks or any local food bank, NAFEM contributes matching funds.

For ideas to start or enhance your company’s efforts, visit #NAFEMFightingHunger. If you have questions or would like to be featured in a future Social Purpose Spotlight, contact NAFEM Headquarters, +1.312.821.0201.