Timonium, Maryland (May 22, 2023) – Michele’s Granola, producer of scratch-made granola, muesli and granola butter, has awarded eight grants in amounts ranging from $5,000-$13,5000 to nonprofit organizations across the country leading the way to a healthier, more equitable food system.
Michele Tsucalas, Founder and Owner of Michele’s Granola, created the Give One for Good Food® program in 2013, through which the brand donates 1% of its gross sales to organizations making a measurable impact in improving the country’s food system. Says Tsucalas, “I founded the Give One initiative on the principle that everyone deserves good food. As our company grows, so does our capacity to support organizations like this cohort of grantees, who are addressing the root cause of hunger and inequity. I’m proud to support their projects, ranging from urban farms and community kitchens, to nutrition education and farmer training.”
16 organizations applied for funding, and a volunteer committee rated each application on criteria including innovation, demonstration of measurable goals, as well as equity and inclusion. The 2023 grant-making cycle allowed Michele’s Granola to deepen its engagement with previously funded organizations, while also supporting three first-time grantees (first-time funded organizations designated with *):
Crossroads Community Food Network, MD
Evanston Grows, IL*
Farm Alliance of Baltimore, MD
Intersection of Change (Strength to Love II), MD
Kanbe's Markets, MO*
United Community Centers, Inc.; NY*
Says Lauren Goldberg, Executive Director of Crossroads Community Food Network, "Our programs support food sovereignty so that people who have been historically and systematically excluded have the power to define and control their own culturally appropriate food policies, processes, and activities…. Michele’s Granola’s support has helped us to bolster these…programs.”
In addition to funds distributed through this grant application cycle, philanthropic allocations also include a multi-year partnership with Whole Foods Market’s Whole Cities Foundation providing unrestricted funds to the foundation as well as grants through their Community First and Local Leaders programs to support food access projects across the country. The company also makes employee-designation contributions and other cash and product donations throughout the year to organizations who work is in alignment with the Give One mission. Contributions will total over $130,000 in 2023.
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About Michele’s Granola
Since 2006, Michele’s Granola has been dedicated to making small batch granola from scratch, prepared fresh daily by hand with simple natural, organic and GMO-free ingredients. With a team of 80 employees, the company produces more than 35,000 pounds of granola and muesli weekly, plus we produce a new line of granola butter, all of which is distributed to more than 3,500 natural food retailers, grocers and food service facilities across the country. Michele’s is committed to improving nutrition and supporting local food entrepreneurship by donating 1% of all sales to non-profits with a food-based mission.
Michele’s Granola Contact:
Lauren Shafer, Marketing Manager
410-350-0051 x1002
Photo credit: Soul Fire Farm