Doing Well While Doing Good: A Win-Win-Win Initiative
Have you ever taken a picture of beautifully plated food in one of your favorite restaurants? Instead of letting it sit in your camera roll, you can now use it to help fight hunger! In a remarkable collaboration, GiftAMeal has partnered with United Food Bank to combat hunger in the East Valley. Founded by Andrew Glantz during his college years in 2015, GiftAMeal is an innovative app that turns dining into a charitable act. For every photo of food taken at a participating restaurant and uploaded to the app, GiftAMeal donates money to local food banks. This partnership designates United Food Bank as the beneficiary for the East Valley, creating a unique synergy that benefits businesses, nonprofits, and consumers alike.
How It Works
The concept behind GiftAMeal is beautifully simple and effective. When customers upload pictures of their meals from participating restaurants to the app, a donation is made to a local food bank. This donation helps to provide meals for those in need, with United Food Bank able to offer up to five meals for every dollar donated. The app leverages the power of social media and consumer engagement to support the community in a tangible way.
A Win for Businesses
For participating restaurants, GiftAMeal offers a significant boost in customer engagement and loyalty. “The data shows that customers who use the app return 39% more frequently and tip 32% more generously,” shares Andrew. “With just a $69 monthly subscription fee to participate, this added level of engagement not only fosters a deeper connection between the restaurant and its patrons but also helps businesses contribute positively to their communities.” Currently, the Pizza Factory is one of the Arizona restaurants involved in this impactful initiative.
A Win for Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations like United Food Bank reap substantial benefits from this partnership. Each photo uploaded to the GiftAMeal app translates into funds that directly support their mission. Given that United Food Bank can provide up to five meals for every dollar received, the potential impact is enormous. This collaboration enables the food bank to extend its reach and resources, helping more families in need across the East Valley.
A Win for Consumers
Consumers play a crucial role in this ecosystem by simply sharing photos of their meals. This small act not only supports local businesses but also contributes to helping feed neighbors in need in their communities. It transforms a routine activity into a meaningful gesture, allowing diners to be part of a larger movement against hunger.
How to Get Involved
Whether dining out or from the comfort of your home, getting involved with GiftAMeal is straightforward. If you’re at a restaurant that is not currently a partner, ask for the manager or owner and show them the app to encourage participation. If you’re at home, you can reach out to restaurants via Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly known as Twitter), sharing the benefits of joining the GiftAMeal program. Restaurants can learn more and sign up at giftameal.com/partner. Franchises too! GiftAMeal’s participating restaurants are around 70% franchises and 30% local eateries, so whatever your favorite restaurant is, you can be involved!
GiftAMeal’s partnership with United Food Bank exemplifies a model of corporate social responsibility that creates a ripple effect of positive outcomes. By bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and consumers, this initiative harnesses the power of the community to make a significant difference in the fight against hunger. With every photo uploaded, GiftAMeal not only fosters community spirit but also provides support to those in need, making it a true win-win-win situation.
Written by KC Raguay
