US Foods Boosts Community Aid With Volunteer-Powered Philanthropy
- $12.5M in community aid delivered in 2025, slightly down from $14.5M in 2024
- 70% increase in employee volunteer hours, with 30,000 associates participating
- 5 million pounds of food donated, equating to ~4 million meals
Experts would likely conclude that US Foods' 2025 philanthropic strategy effectively combines financial contributions with employee-driven volunteerism, creating a scalable model for corporate social responsibility that addresses both immediate hunger relief and long-term community resilience.
US Foods Channels Nearly $12.5M into Community Aid, Fueled by Record Employee Volunteerism
ROSEMONT, IL – December 16, 2025 – As American communities grapple with heightened food insecurity and persistent economic pressures, US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD) has announced a significant philanthropic effort, delivering nearly $12.5 million in support throughout 2025. The initiative, part of the foodservice giant’s “Helping Communities Make It” program, directed cash, product, and volunteer time toward hunger relief, culinary education, and disaster response.
While the total contribution is slightly less than the nearly $14.5 million reported in 2024, the company’s 2025 strategy reveals a deliberate shift toward deepening impact through employee engagement. A staggering 70% increase in associate volunteer hours and the launch of an innovative “Dollars for Doers” program underscore a new chapter in the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts, one that prioritizes participatory giving and direct community involvement.
“Supporting our associates and charitable partners as they unite behind our ‘Helping Communities Make It’ programming has been truly inspiring,” said Dave Flitman, CEO of US Foods, in a statement. The company's efforts this year translated into tangible aid, including over 5 million pounds of donated food and supplies, equivalent to approximately 4 million meals.
Empowering the Workforce to Drive Impact
A cornerstone of US Foods’ 2025 philanthropic success was the launch of its “Dollars for Doers” program. This new initiative directly rewards employees for their community service by awarding $25 in charitable credits for every hour volunteered. Associates can then direct these funds to a non-profit organization of their choice.
In its inaugural year, the program was a resounding success, generating nearly $100,000 in credits that were distributed to more than 230 charitable organizations across the country. This model not only amplifies the financial impact of the company's giving but also empowers its 30,000 associates to support causes they are personally passionate about, fostering a stronger culture of giving from within.
“I am particularly proud of the many associates who participated in a record-breaking year of charitable volunteer hours and the launch of our Dollars for Doers program, which empowers associates to further amplify the reach of our giving efforts,” Flitman noted. This surge in volunteerism was also driven by company-wide campaigns such as the “Spring into Service” program and a volunteer drive for Hunger Action Month®, which together generated nearly $200,000 in additional charitable value.
A Multi-Pronged Attack on Food Insecurity
The timing of US Foods’ intensified focus on hunger relief is critical. National data indicates that food insecurity has been on an upward trend, with approximately 14% of U.S. households reporting difficulty affording adequate food in 2025, a notable increase from 12.5% in 2024. Against this challenging backdrop, US Foods has deployed a multi-faceted strategy to support organizations on the front lines.
The company’s long-standing partnership with Feeding America® continued to be a major focus, with over $5 million in food and supplies donated to the organization’s national network of food banks. US Foods also provided $250,000 in financial support for Feeding America’s MealConnect initiative, a technology platform that streamlines food rescue operations.
A key area of expanded support in 2025 was for military families, a group disproportionately affected by food insecurity. US Foods tripled its contributions to the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) to nearly $750,000. This funding bolsters innovative programs like a pantry restock initiative that helps military families manage the financial strain of frequent relocations. Shannon Razsadin, CEO of MFAN, has previously praised US Foods as a “generous partner” providing “dignified support through innovative, scalable and measurable solutions.”
Furthering its commitment, the company donated $500,000 to Rethink Food, supporting the nonprofit’s expansion into the Chicago market. Rethink Food works to bridge the gap between excess food from restaurants and purveyors and communities in need, transforming surplus into nutritious meals. In its headquarters’ backyard, US Foods also directed a total of $350,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Investing in Futures and Building Resilience
Beyond immediate hunger needs, US Foods’ philanthropic strategy takes a long-term view, investing in the future of the foodservice industry and providing a safety net for its own associates. The US Foods Scholars program, which expanded nationwide in 2024, awarded $360,000 in scholarships to students pursuing degrees in culinary arts, baking, and business management. Since its inception, the program has provided over $2.4 million in financial aid to more than 120 students, helping to cultivate the next generation of culinary talent.
Support for the current generation of foodservice workers also remained a priority. The company’s $150,000 donation to Giving Kitchen provided emergency assistance and a network of community resources for foodservice professionals facing hardship.
Recognizing that crises can strike anywhere, US Foods maintained its commitment as an Annual Disaster Responder Program partner with the American Red Cross, donating $250,000 to help the organization prepare for and respond to disasters swiftly. In a new initiative reflecting its commitment to its own people, US Foods also launched the You Matter Associate Assistance Fund in 2025. Fully funded by the company, with an option for associate contributions, the fund provides financial aid to employees experiencing personal hardships, from natural disasters to unexpected medical expenses.
Through this holistic and increasingly participatory approach, US Foods is framing its corporate citizenship not just as a series of donations, but as an integrated ecosystem of support designed to nourish communities, empower its workforce, and build a more resilient future for the industry it serves.
