As we approach Veterans Day, we come together to celebrate, honor, and express our gratitude for the brave individuals who have served our country. At HelloFresh, our commitment to supporting the Veteran community extends beyond November 11th. Through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and partnerships with organizations such as the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services, the Nourish New York Initiative, just to name a few, we strive to give back and make a meaningful impact by increasing access to nutritious food.
National Guard distributing HelloFresh meal kits.
The Importance of Food Security
Access to consistent, fresh food is one of the most vital social determinants of good health. Studies have shown a direct correlation between consuming nutritious food and maintaining positive mental health. At HelloFresh, we recognize that alleviating food insecurity is essential not only for our deserving Veterans, but for as many individuals as we can reach.
HelloFresh meal kits preparing for distribution.
About the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS)
Established in 2016, the New York City (NYC) Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is dedicated to connecting, mobilizing, and empowering NYC’s Veteran community, along with their caregivers, survivors, and families. The DVS plays a crucial role in helping Military and Veteran families navigate the services and benefits they have earned through their service.
Ellen Greeley, Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Strategic Partnerships at NYC’s DVS, emphasizes, “Our programs focus on essential needs such as housing, submitting VA claims, upgrading discharge status, reducing food insecurity, and connecting Veterans to healthcare.”
A key initiative of the DVS is the Nourish New York Initiative, which aims to combat hunger and improve the everyday lives of Veterans. This critical program ensures that those facing food insecurity have access to the nourishment they need.
The Power of Partnerships
In 2020, HelloFresh partnered with the Nourish New York Initiative to help address food insecurity within the NYC Military and Veteran community, focusing especially on the increased challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, through our Meals with Meaning program, we have provided a weekly donation of fresh vegetables, proteins, and assorted ingredients to create 2,000 meal kits, providing 8,000 meals each week to 1,000 Military Service Members and Veterans. This initiative is a collaboration between HelloFresh, DVS, and The Campaign Against Hunger, an anti-poverty community-based organization. We also work alongside Black Veterans for Social Justice, a housing and social service organization that provides volunteers to help pack and deliver these kits. This holiday season, we continue to challenge ourselves to do more by distributing 1,000 family-sized Thanksgiving boxes, complete with turkeys and sides, to feed Veterans and their families.
HelloFresh, DVS, and The Campaign Against Hunger, an anti-poverty community-based organization, work together to fight food insecurity.
“HelloFresh’s generous donations of high-quality food on a weekly basis have helped thousands of New York City Active-Duty Service Members and Veterans maintain their emotional and physical wellness,” says Greeley. “We are incredibly grateful to HelloFresh for meeting the immediate needs of our warriors.”
HelloFresh ERG Program
Internally, HelloFresh is committed to fostering inclusivity through our network of seven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Our FreshVets ERG specifically focuses on providing resources, support, and camaraderie for Veterans and interested individuals, both in the workplace and at home. This employee-led team facilitates connections for Veterans worldwide through networking, recruitment, career development, and community involvement. Learn more about our ERG programs here.
As we honor our Veterans, we remain dedicated to supporting them and their families by addressing food security and promoting overall well-being. Together, we can make a difference.
HelloFresh meal kits are prepared for those facing food insecurity.
