NOVI, MI, June 12, 2023 - National Food Group, a leading food distributor for K12 schools nationwide, is pleased to share the recipients of the Grab The Tab contest, a new school lunch debt relief grant program focused on helping schools with overdue meal balances that launched this year.
The total funds awarded to all three schools exceeded $22,000, plus an additional $10,000 of in-kind food donations of Zee Zees snacks for the 23/24 school year. Over 350 schools in 40 states applied between April 10 - 28, 2023, to have their meal debts paid off.
The following winning schools will have their school lunch meal tab paid and will receive a donation of Zee Zees® products for their cafeteria:
"The ability for our students to eat healthy breakfasts and lunches each day is imperative for their physical
and emotional health,” said Dr. Carl Schultz, Superintendent of Bedford Public Schools. “Having this opportunity to partner with an amazing company that cares as much about our students and families as we do is exciting. We are grateful to accept this donation
on behalf of Bedford Public Schools families."
According to the School Nutrition Association, school lunch debt in the United States will reach almost $20 million in 2023 as schools struggle to ensure students always receive meals and meet government requirements. As a leading K12 food service partner, National Food Group’s Grab The Tab contest helps to address the daily challenges of schools and students nationwide. The program is part of Project SERVE, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
Launched in 2023, Grab The Tab is National Food Group’s new school lunch debt relief grant program focused on helping schools with overdue meal balances. Applicants documented their school’s debt and shared how this funding would help the students in their community. 2023 Winners will have all their school meal debt paid off, along with a donation of Zee Zees snack products for their cafeteria. Entries from 40 states were received April 10 through 28, 2023, and winners were officially announced May 15, 2023. Over $22,000 was donated, along with $10,000 of in-kind snacks for the 23/24 school year.
Project SERVE's mission is to use innovation and service to impact our communities. Project SERVE is National Food Group’s corporate social responsibility strategy where the company pledges a minimum of 5% of their earnings, along with their team’s time and talents, to help make food more accessible, provide opportunities and resources for individuals seeking a career in the food industry, and supporting our global environment.
Founded in 1990, National Food Group is one of America's fastest-growing wholesale food service manufacturers and distributors. National Food Group's family of brands includes Zee Zees® better-for-you snacks for kids of all ages, Elated Plates®, innovative food items ensuring a supreme sense of satisfaction with every bite, and Fare Promise® for truly square and deliciously nutritious meals at remarkably low prices. National Food Group offers three core programs to help make budgets and planning easy: Always Available®, Opportunity Buys®, and Commodity Processing™. Our food experts can also develop original items to meet custom nutritional and pricing requirements. The company is headquartered in Novi, Michigan. For more information, visit nationalfoodgroup.com.