More Than Just A Mission Statement

Herndon VA

26 July, 2021

3:47 PM

Description

One of Food For Neighbors' oldest partners, Great Harvest Bread Company is known for its scrumptious breads and sweets as well as for its commitment to community service. In celebration of this community spirit, Food For Neighbors presented owner Ken Marter with a plaque for display in his Herndon store. "I love having such a generous, long-term community partner," said Food For Neighbors Cofounder Karen Joseph, who explained that the partnership began in early 2017. At that time, then Herndon High School student Tiffany Nguyen, an avid Food For Neighbors volunteer, approached Marter about supporting the new nonprofit. Marter, who had just purchased Great Harvest, did not hesitate. Since then, the local favorite has been collecting monetary gifts for the nonprofit as well as donating a variety of breads for distribution to Herndon High School students when they receive their weekly supplemental food. "The bread is a gift of love," shared Joseph. "It has brought our food distribution to the next level, as it's a fresh, nutritious option that provides significant sustenance. Students are so excited to be able to select from a variety of delicious options." During the visit, Joseph noted Great Harvest's prominently-displayed mission statement, which reads "Be loose and have fun! Bake phenomenal bread. Run fast to serve others. And give generously." Marter added, "This is more than just a mission statement on the wall. It's something we truly believe in." To this, Food For Neighbors can attest. The statement perfectly describes the positive experience that Food For Neighbors has enjoyed with Great Harvest for the past five years. For those interested in having an equally wonderful bread experience, Marter has stores in Herndon, Vienna, and Ashburn. Great Harvest also participates in several farmers markets: Wednesdays at St. John Neumann Catholic Community in Reston, Thursdays at The Boro in Tysons Corner, Saturdays at the Vienna Community Center in Vienna as well as at One Loudoun in Ashburn, and Sundays at the Brambleton Town Center in Ashburn. http://darngoodbread.com/farme... Thanks to the generosity of Great Harvest Bread Company, other local organizations, and enthusiastic volunteers, Food For Neighbors now provides weekly nutrition to students in 23 middle and high schools in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The five-year-old nonprofit has over 1,500 households donating food and over 1,000 volunteers collecting, sorting, packing, and distributing it. Food For Neighbors welcomes new food donors and business partners. To learn more, visit https://www.foodforneighbors.org/ or contact Renee Maxwell at (703) 475-4933.