We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 589 Summary
Title: Unlocking Sustainable Impact: How HelloFresh is Tackling Hunger + Building Cross-Sector Collaborations
Guest: Jeff Yorzik, Director of Sustainability, HelloFresh US
Release Date: December 9, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 589 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy, CFRE, and Becky Endicott, CFRE, engage in an insightful conversation with Jeff Yorzik, the Director of Sustainability at HelloFresh US. The episode delves into how HelloFresh is addressing hunger through sustainable practices and fostering meaningful cross-sector collaborations.

Guest Background

Jeff Yorzik brings over two decades of experience in sustainability across various sectors. With a foundation in environmental consulting and cleanup work, Jeff has evolved his career towards integrating sustainability into large corporate structures. His role at HelloFresh encompasses overseeing packaging, lifestyle management, and operational sustainability within their supply chain.

Notable Quote:

"I grew up fishing, camping with my folks... it was a turning point for me to protect and preserve our natural environment."
— Jeff Yorzik [04:02]

HelloFresh's Mission and Sustainability Efforts

HelloFresh, a 12-year-old company, aims to "change the way people eat forever." Their mission extends beyond meal kit delivery; it encompasses democratizing food access and combating food deserts through home delivery services. Jeff highlights the company's commitment to minimizing food waste, emphasizing initiatives like their meal donation programs and partnerships with local charities.

Notable Quote:

"Our vision as a company is to change the way people eat forever."
— Jeff Yorzik [09:10]

Tackling the Hunger Crisis: Initiatives and Partnerships

Jeff details HelloFresh's organic growth in addressing the hunger crisis, particularly heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially responding to urgent needs in Newark, New Jersey, HelloFresh rapidly developed meal kits tailored for the food-insecure, collaborating with local charities to distribute over 16,000 meals weekly. This effort scaled to provide approximately 40,000 meals weekly across multiple locations by early next year.

Notable Quote:

"We're closing in on about 10 million meals in total early next year."
— Jeff Yorzik [16:11]

The "13 for 13 Million" Campaign

One of HelloFresh's standout initiatives is the "13 for 13 Million" campaign, aimed at raising awareness about childhood food insecurity affecting 13 million children. Collaborating with No Kid Hungry, the campaign encompasses direct food distribution projects and open pantries across 13 different cities, tailoring solutions to the hyperlocal nature of food insecurity.

Notable Quote:

"It's frighteningly common across our culture... 'Should we buy food or pay rent?'"
— Jeff Yorzik [19:46]

Cross-Sector Collaborations: Building Effective Partnerships

Jeff emphasizes the importance of creating impact-first partnerships rather than top-down corporate philanthropy. By aligning HelloFresh's competencies—such as meal design and packaging—with the localized expertise of nonprofit partners, the collaborations have thrived organically. These partnerships ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive and effectively address the specific needs of each community.

Notable Quote:

"It's almost better not to come with a strong idea of what you want, come with some ideas and figure out what really works best for both organizations."
— Jeff Yorzik [27:20]

Impact and Achievements

Through relentless dedication and strategic partnerships, HelloFresh has significantly reduced food waste and provided millions of meals to those in need. The company's initiatives not only alleviate immediate hunger but also foster long-term community resilience by empowering local organizations and ensuring consistent meal distribution.

Notable Quote:

"Having the CEO tell me, 'figure out how to get food into the community,' was a powerful moment."
— Jeff Yorzik [15:55]

Personal Reflections and Advice

Jeff shares his personal motivations and the fulfillment derived from aligning his career with his passion for sustainability and community service. He advises other corporations to focus on impact first and to engage in genuine, resourceful partnerships that leverage each organization's strengths.

Notable Quote:

"Keep a journal. Write in it. Every life is worth living. Write some of it down."
— Jeff Yorzik [35:25]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt appreciation from the hosts for Jeff and HelloFresh's unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference. Jeff underscores the importance of storytelling and positive action in combating negativity, echoing Fred Rogers' sentiment to "look for the helpers."

Notable Quote:

"There's way too much negative news out there in the world and this is kind of what we need to be reminded of."
— Jeff Yorzik [37:23]

Key Takeaways

• Sustainable Impact: HelloFresh integrates sustainability into its core operations, focusing on reducing food waste and ensuring the efficient distribution of meals to those in need.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with local nonprofits and municipal partners enables HelloFresh to address food insecurity in a culturally sensitive and effective manner.

• Organic Growth: The company's initiatives evolved naturally in response to urgent community needs, particularly during the pandemic, showcasing adaptability and commitment.

• Impact-First Approach: Prioritizing meaningful impact over corporate image facilitates genuine, long-lasting solutions to societal challenges.

• Personal Commitment: Jeff Yorzik's dedication highlights the importance of aligning personal passions with professional roles to drive significant change.

Connect with Jeff Yorzik

• LinkedIn: Jeff Yorzik
• HelloFresh Website: www.hellofresh.com
• Factor Website: www.factor.com
• Instagram: @hello_fresh

This episode serves as a beacon for nonprofit professionals and corporations alike, illustrating how thoughtful collaboration and a steadfast commitment to impact can address some of society's most pressing issues.