Gold Star Partnership Raises $20,000 for Freestore Foodbank through National Chili Day Campaign

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In Over Six Years Nearly $170,000 Has Been Raised Through Ongoing Partnership

May 20, 2022 // Franchising.com // Gold Star donated $20,000 to the Freestore Foodbank’s childhood hunger programs. In partnership with 13 “Flavor Makers” and generosity of patrons, the franchise was able to raise the funds during its annual National Chili Day campaign. The money raised during the event will allow Freestore Foodbank to provide 60,000 meals to children in the community.

A “Flavor Maker” is someone who advocates for Cincinnati and its flavor. Gold Star appointed 13 individuals and enlisted their help in fighting childhood hunger. (The number 13 is a tribute to the 13 secret spices that make up Gold Star’s famous chili.) “We felt it was important to get the members of the city involved,” said Samir Daoud, Gold Star’s Franchise Director. “It takes a village. We’re working toward ending childhood hunger within our community. So, the community itself needs to be involved.”

This is the sixth year that Gold Star and Freestore Foodbank have come together on National Chili Day to fight childhood hunger. A portion of every purchase at a Gold Star franchise location on National Chili Day was donated to the Freestore Foodbank.

The Freestore Foodbank’s childhood hunger programs ensure children in food-insecure households have access to nutritious meals via the organization’s Kids Cafe, School Pantry and Power Pack programs. The Freestore Foodbank is the largest emergency food provider to children and families in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana, supporting 574 community partners in 20 counties.

“There are 90,000 kids in the Tri-State that don’t know where their next meal is going to come from,” said Kurt Reiber, President and CEO of Freestore Foodbank. “The pandemic really stretched our resources, but the partnership with Gold Star gives us what we need to restock our shelves and continue meeting the needs of the families we serve.”

The partnership between Gold Star and Freestore Foodbank began in 2017. Since then, Gold Star has donated nearly $170,000. “A big part of our brand is being a positive influence in our community,” said Daoud. “Especially when meeting with potential franchisees. We want to know that they are upstanding members of their communities and that they care about doing good. It’s hugely important to us.”

As a family-owned franchise themselves, Gold Star believes in the power of treating everyone in your community like family – harking back to their upbringing in Jordan. Before the family started Gold Star, patriarch, Shakir Daoud, was a village leader in Jordan. A focal point in the community, he always had a pot on the stove, ready to feed any guest that visited. That ideal is now the foundation of the Gold Star franchise.

“We believe all deserve a seat at the table, and we support organizations in the community that do just that. The Freestore Foodbank is essential to our community,” said Gold Star President and CEO Roger David. “The volunteers and organizers at the Freestore Foodbank work tirelessly to feed and support thousands of families in the Tri-State who are in need. It’s a privilege for Gold Star to partner with Freestore Foodbank every year for this incredibly important cause.”

SOURCE Gold Star

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