Sioux Honey Co-op and Smoothie King's Generous Honey Donation in Atlanta

Major Donation of Honey in Atlanta

A collaborative effort by Sioux Honey Co-op and Smoothie King took place in Atlanta, resulting in an impressive donation of honey, enough to coat a football field in sweetness. This remarkable contribution saw the delivery of nearly three tons of honey to Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity in the region.

A Sweet Partnership

The initiative emerged from Sioux Honey's ongoing "Sharing Sweetness" campaign, which aims to provide essential food supplies to those in need. The donation, comprising 6,480 bottles of Sue Bee® Clover Honey, is crucial for a city facing significant rates of food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and communities of color.

"Food insecurity rates in many Atlanta-area counties meet or exceed the national level of about 14.3%," said Paul Clements, executive director of Second Helpings. With inflation and higher food costs, families are in greater need of assistance than ever before. Since its inception in 2004, Second Helpings has rescued and distributed over 32.6 million pounds of food, making this donation timely and impactful.

Honey: A Versatile Food

One of the most compelling aspects of honey is its longevity; it doesn’t require refrigeration and has a legendary shelf life, making it an ideal food item for distribution. Indeed, honey found in ancient tombs, believed to be over 5,500 years old, still retained its edible quality. This characteristic ensures that the donated honey will be a popular choice among families receiving aid, especially given its health benefits.

"Honey is a highly coveted item at food services due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties," noted Clements. With the rising demand for healthy food options, the launched honey will certainly be swept off the shelves quickly.

Smoothie King’s Commitment to Community

Lori Primavera, VP of Research and Development at Smoothie King, highlighted the company’s deep commitment to nutrition and community support. With over 1,200 stores across the U.S., Smoothie King ensures that its smoothies are made with quality ingredients, including the trusted Sue Bee honey. The donation to Second Helpings represents an extension of their efforts to enrich the communities they serve.

"Our stores are community fixtures, and this donation is one more way to nourish healthy habits in our local neighborhoods," Primavera stated.

Supporting Local Farmers

The partnership also speaks volumes about support for local farmers, who play a crucial role in Georgia's $83.4 billion agriculture industry. Nearly 40% of what farmers produce goes uneaten due to various market challenges. Through programs like "Field to Fork," Second Helpings compensates farmers fairly for produce, redirecting surplus food to families in need. This year alone, they’ve rescued over a million pounds of fresh produce, which effectively translates to around 833,000 meals.

Beth Love, marketing manager at Sioux Honey, reiterated their commitment to local farming, stating, "With our U.S. Farmed™ certification, we prioritize sustainable practices that support American farmers."

A Sweet Impact

Putting the dimension of this honey donation into perspective, it's enough to glaze an entire football field at Levi's Stadium and weighs an astonishing 4,860 pounds — the equivalent of four grand pianos. If the bottles were stacked, they would reach the height of the Bank of America Plaza three times. Such figures underscore the scale of this generous act, which reflects the commitment of both Sioux Honey and Smoothie King to address hunger and promote healthy eating in the greater Atlanta community.

In conclusion, this donation exemplifies the power of corporate partnerships in creating meaningful change. Sioux Honey Co-op and Smoothie King are not only providing a sweet treat but also ensuring that those facing food insecurity in Atlanta have access to nutritious food. Their collaboration serves as an inspiration for other businesses to engage in impactful community service.