Wild Turkey Teams Up with Farmlink and Babish for Friendsgiving Initiative

Wild Turkey Celebrates Friendsgiving with Purpose

As the Friendsgiving season approaches, Wild Turkey Distilling Co., known for its rich Kentucky bourbon, is embarking on a meaningful campaign designed to blend celebration with social responsibility. Collaborating withThe Farmlink Project — an organization dedicated to combating food waste and food insecurity — and renowned culinary figure Andrew Rea, better known as 'Babish,' the brand is on a mission to transform traditional gatherings into opportunities for giving back.

Wild Turkey has always been about connecting people during the holiday season, and this year is no exception. By engaging with The Farmlink Project, the distillery aims to raise awareness about the staggering amount of food waste that occurs between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, which surges by approximately 25%. This partnership involves a commitment of $101,000 from Wild Turkey to support the rescue of surplus produce.

In conjunction with this donation, Babish's influence in the kitchen will help shine a spotlight on this initiative, encouraging Americans to participate by redistributing surplus food and supporting neighbors in need. “Food waste isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a moral one,” says Aidan Reilly, Chief of External Affairs at Farmlink. Through this partnership, they are inspiring communities to rally together to make a significant impact.

The Friendsgiving campaign includes a fun sweepstakes inviting consumers over the age of 21 to win an unforgettable experience. Four lucky groups will be treated to a private Friendsgiving dinner in New York City, hosted by Babish himself. This exclusive gathering will feature specially crafted cocktails from Wild Turkey, emphasizing the brand's spirit and delicious offerings.

A standout feature of this campaign is the Wild Apple Pie cocktail, a delightful blend of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, dehydrated apple syrup, and aromatic bitters. Not only does it reflect the fall season, but it also pays homage to the mission of The Farmlink Project by integrating surplus apples into a seasonal drink recipe. Babish remarks, “This cocktail highlights the abundance available from farmers, encouraging friends to toast while also contributing to a greater cause.”

Moreover, Farmlink's efforts to connect surplus food directly with communities in need exemplify the importance of corporate and individual accountability in addressing food security. By redistributing fresh produce that might otherwise go to waste, they’re tackling a significant issue: ensuring equitable access to nutritious meals. Throughout October and November, when apples are particularly abundant, Farmlink works diligently to rescue this surplus to support local food banks.

Wild Turkey’s partnership with these organizations aligns with its commitment to foster strong community connections. As Allison Varone, Head of Marketing at Campari America, aptly states, “This Friendsgiving, we’re not just offering cocktails; we’re offering an invitation to make a difference in our communities.” This initiative hopes to inspire individuals to change how they engage during the holiday season, using shared moments around the table as a catalyst for change.

To participate in this Friendsgiving celebration and for a chance to win an exclusive NYC dinner, individuals can learn more via iHeartRadio and follow Wild Turkey on Instagram for updates.

In a world where we can often feel disconnected, Wild Turkey, The Farmlink Project, and Babish are leading the charge to remind us that the act of sharing a meal holds the potential to foster community, kindness, and give back to those who need it most.

Putting It All Together

This Friendsgiving, as you gather around the table to enjoy good food and strong drinks, remember it’s also a time to reflect on how we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system. Make sure to consider how food waste impacts our communities and how initiatives like those from Wild Turkey and The Farmlink Project can help reshape our collective approach to food during the giving season.