BATTLE CREEK – When it comes to community caring, Kellanova employees lead by example.
About 20 Kellanova employees from Battle Creek volunteered at the South Michigan Food Bank on April 4, packing more than 1,300 food packages in less than two hours. The packages will be shared with students at Battle Creek Public Schools who face food insecurity.
Kellanova Chairman, President and CEO Steve Cahillane joined the team, eagerly packaging donated food items and engaging with employees. He said he was excited to be part of the effort to celebrate National Volunteer Month.
“Volunteerism is an important Kellanova priority and a cornerstone of our Better Days Promise,” Cahillane said.
“We’re proud to be part of the Battle Creek community and communities around the world, and even more proud of all that our employees do to create better days for them,” he added.
Kellanova CEO Steve Cahillane with employees
The effort was part of Kellanova’s Volunteer With Me program, which brings together leaders and employees through volunteerism.
“I’m so proud of the relationship we’ve been able to grow with both South Michigan Food Bank and United Way over the years,” said Cahillane. “We know we can’t achieve our ambitious Kellanova Better Days Promise goals alone. That’s why working with organizations like these is critical to tackling sustainable and equitable access to food.”
Chief Philanthropy Officer Stephanie Slingerland noted that Kellanova’s activities in Battle Creek go beyond volunteering. Kellanova has contributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of food to South Michigan Food Bank over the years and helped support the creation of the Food Bank’s clean room. In addition, the company and its employees are the largest corporate donor to United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI). Slingerland also serves on UWSCMI’s Board of Directors.
Chris Sargent, President and Executive Officer of UWSCMI, echoed Cahillane’s message of partnership.
“We know that food insecurity is especially devastating to children,” said Sargent. “Kids who don’t eat can’t learn. If they can’t learn, they can’t go on to succeed in school, in careers, or in becoming financially stable.”
According to Feeding America, an estimated 15.1% of Calhoun County children under age 18 are food insecure. Regionwide, UWSCMI invested in food programs that delivered over $6 million worth of food and 513,000 meals to individuals and families in 2022-23.
“Kellanova leaders and employees understand the impact of food insecurity and the value of working alongside United Way and others to make a difference,” Sargent said. “We’re grateful for that partnership and the standard of community service that, in my view, serves as a global model.”
Learn more about Kellanova’s Better Days Promise on their website.