5/5/2020
Food from area restaurants to be delivered to 800+ EMS workers providing frontline support during the COVID-19 pandemic
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) announced today a partnership with The J. M. Smucker Company and Folgers® to provide over 2,500 meals to area EMS personnel in appreciation for their work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A donation will fuel 51 meal deliveries to seven EMS providers across UWSELA’s seven-parish service area, including Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.
“We are proud to partner with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana to offer local EMS teams a well-deserved thank you for their incredible commitment to provide residents with necessary medical care amidst the extreme challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tamara Fynan, Executive Director, Community Engagement and Philanthropy, The J. M. Smucker Company. “The greater New Orleans area is the hub for our coffee operations, including our Folgers® brand, and this effort is part of our continued commitment to supporting the community during this challenging time.”
For more than 25 years, UWSELA and Folgers have improved the well-being of Southeast Louisiana. Together, the partners have generated over $6.6 million in community impact through fundraising and volunteerism.
This effort is expected to reach over 800 workers at Acadian Ambulance Services, Northshore EMS, Gretna EMS, East Jefferson EMS, West Jefferson EMS, A-Med EMS and New Orleans EMS. The deliveries will also support 13 local restaurants and nonprofits selected to prepare the meals.
“While some of the workforce in our region is able to telecommute, working from home is simply not an option for EMS staff,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA President & CEO. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner once again with Folgers and The J. M. Smucker Company to thank these essential workers for continuing to provide lifesaving services to our community.”
Meal deliveries began April 27 and will continue through May 15.
Learn more about UWSELA COVID-19 response at UnitedWaySELA.org/HelpALICE.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For 95 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
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About The J. M. Smucker Company
Inspired by more than 120 years of business success and five generations of family leadership, The J. M. Smucker Company makes food that people and pets love. The Company’s portfolio of 40+ brands, which are found in 90 percent of U.S. homes and countless restaurants, include iconic products consumers have always loved such as Folgers®, Jif® and Milk-Bone® plus new favorites like Café Bustelo®, Smucker’s® Uncrustables® and Rachael Ray® Nutrish®. Over the past two decades, the Company has grown rapidly by thoughtfully acquiring leading and emerging brands, while ensuring the business has a positive impact on its 7,000+ employees, the communities it is a part of and the planet. For more information about The J. M. Smucker Company, visit jmsmucker.com.
The J. M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein except for Rachael Ray®, a registered trademark of Ray Marks II LLC, which is used under license.