A decade of anything is a reason to celebrate. A decade of marriage, a decade at your job, a decade of life - ten years of commitment and time is no small accomplishment, whatever it may be.
At our Petoskey Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars location, we’re turning ten years old, too. But save the streamers, birthday cake and giant balloons for the kids. This year, we’re celebrating by giving back.
Fustini’s puts a high value on the communities in which we live and work. So it only makes sense that in honor of this ten-year milestone, Fustini’s is committed to helping support Manna Food Project found right in Northern Michigan in Harbor Springs. Fustini’s will donate $1 for every single bottle of oil and vinegar sold, now through Sept. 15, 2019. That one dollar donation provides four meals to those in need. With one bottle, you can provide four people with a satisfying and nutritious meal. Easy as that.
“Fustini's has been so incredibly lucky to be part of such a great and welcoming community,” Charlene Hunt says, manager of the Fustini’s Petoskey store. “We want to give back to the community that has supported us for 10 years.”
About Manna Food Project
Manna Food Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to provide food for those in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. Starting in 1987, a group of local leaders saw a need for healthy, nutritious meals that wasn’t being met among their neighbors. What had originally started as a soup kitchen has transformed into a massive distribution center that walks alongside families and individuals in need, promoting a healthier and happier community.
As a partner of the Feeding America Food Bank Network, Manna facilitates many food distribution programs including a food bank, food rescue program, a food pantry and their “Food 4 Kids” backpack program. This Food 4 Kids program provides elementary age kids backpacks of healthy, kid-friendly food in part to meet their nutritional needs over the weekends when they don’t get meals at school.
Manna’s community engagement continues through partnering with local organizations in hosting cooking classes, dinners for the community and other fun and educational opportunities to share the value and importance of fresh and healthy food. This health education initiative is designed to provide families and individuals the resources they need to prepare meals full of nutritional value which improves their community’s health and overall well-being.
That mission of providing opportunities for healthy and wholesome meals and knowledge very much aligns with Fustini’s mission.
“We share Manna's passion for encouraging community health through diet, nutrition and education,” Charlene says. “It is part of our mission to help support the community around us. We are passionate about delicious food and also about educating and providing resources for healthy, nutritious meals. Manna is an amazing organization that provides a service that is so greatly needed in this area.”
Whether from a retail or non-profit perspective, community has value. Fustini’s is excited to continue their commitment and presence in the community with Petoskey’s Delicious Decade fundraiser with Manna Food Project. With this campaign, you can inspire healthy cooking for yourself and for those in need of a good meal.