By: Melaina Lewis, Communications Specialist, Food Marketing Institute

I grew up with my head buried in books. Authors like Dr. Seuss, C.S. Lewis and Shel Silverstein were my guides extolling the merits of curiosity, hard work and goodwill. I can still recall Dr. Seuss’s words in The Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” The meaning of these two short sentences has expanded. The ability to make a difference goes beyond one person. It’s a community striving to be good to their neighbors. We see grocery stores everyday put these ideas into actions.   

Food retailers carry a legacy of bettering their neighborhoods through various community service initiatives, while still maintaining a traditional role of serving their community. Over the past few years, the Food Marketing Institute has taken great joy in shining lights on retailers and their innovative acts of kindness. The Community Outreach Awards recognizes grocers supporting initiatives in Youth Development Programs, Programs Addressing Food Insecurity, and Neighborhood Health Improvement Programs. See how other grocers have been doing good in their neighborhoods. Here’s a look at our previous winners:

Neighborhood Health Improvement Programs

Programs Addressing Food Insecurity

"People's Pick" Social Media Category Winner

We’ve extended the nomination deadline to 5 p.m. Eastern on November 9, so you still have time to submit a community service project hosted by your company. For more details and to nominate your program visit: www.fmi.org/CommunityOutreach. Join the conversation online with #GrocersDoingGood and thank you for all the good you do.