The Foodbank relies on community partners to help achieve its mission. Partners provide food, funds, volunteers and more. And then some partners become integral members of our Foodbank Family — an extension of the organization, their staff a sounding board for ideas. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is that type of partner for the Foodbank, and we’re so grateful for their support.
Goodyear has supported the Foodbank since 1988. Over the years, they’ve integrated the Foodbank into their company culture.
“Being a good partner and staying aware of what the Foodbank is working on enables us to offer meaningful support wherever we can,” said Joni Fitch, director of community affairs & engagement for Goodyear. “I want the Foodbank to be able to call us when they have a need they think we can help with — so we can try to solve it together.”
As a collaborative partner, Goodyear associates volunteer throughout the year in the Foodbank’s warehouse, helping sort, inspect and repack food items, as well as directly serving neighbors facing hunger at our drive- thru food distributions. A Goodyear associate has also volunteered their time and expertise on our board of directors. Goodyear has created an internal council, in which associates passionate about hunger relief work together to create unique ways to engage their colleagues in giving to the Foodbank’s annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign and encourage volunteerism.
“When our associates start thinking about volunteering, their mind often goes straight to the Foodbank,” said Jason Chapman, community engagement specialist for Goodyear. “It’s such a consistent, high-quality and engaging volunteer opportunity, and they get to see their impact firsthand.”
During Goodyear’s annual Global Week of Volunteering, associate volunteers not only serve at the Foodbank, but also at food programs within the Foodbank’s network, helping with large, one-time projects.
Goodyear associates also engage in skills-based volunteerism, utilizing their professional skills to benefit the Foodbank. In the past, Goodyear associates helped with a warehouse redesign at the Main Campus in Akron, their project management optimization team guided the Foodbank’s transition team for the Stark County Campus, they’ve participated in many conversations regarding warehouse safety, and their IT team offered Microsoft 365 training.
In addition to this ongoing and tremendous support, Goodyear makes an annual financial contribution to the organization and matches associate donations during the Harvest for Hunger Campaign. Because of their support, millions of meals have been provided to the community.
“The products, brand and people of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company are second to none in the world. The partnership the Foodbank has with Goodyear is deep and impactful, and we are continuously grateful for their support,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO.