Nutella has announced a collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to support local fire departments through the “Stacks for Giving Back” program.
This initiative aims to provide $25,000 in fire department grants and 100 pancake breakfast fundraiser kits.
The partnership focuses on assisting volunteer fire departments in securing essential resources.
The NVFC, a prominent organization representing volunteer fire and emergency services in the United States, will help facilitate the distribution of $5,000 grants to five deserving fire departments.
To qualify for these grants, fire departments must meet specific criteria, including being over 50% volunteer, serving a population of 25,000 or less, being located in the U.S., and having a department chief or applicant who is an NVFC member.
Applications are open until March 22 at www.nvfc.org/nutellastacksforgivingback.
Volunteer fire departments across the nation often face challenges such as funding equipment, recruiting, and retaining firefighters, and managing increasing demands.
Steve Hirsch, NVFC chair, highlighted the crucial role of these departments: “Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of their communities.
“It is the NVFC’s mission to support our nation’s firefighters, and we’re thankful to partners like Nutella for helping us honor their service and provide much-needed funding for critical resources, like new gear and equipment, that enable firefighters to respond to emergencies safely and effectively.”
Additionally, fundraising activities, particularly pancake breakfasts, are a vital source of income for many fire departments.
Nutella’s initiative includes providing Nutella Pancake Breakfast Kits to help fire departments host successful fundraisers.
Consumers can nominate local fire departments for these kits until March 22 at www.nutellastacksforgivingback.com.
Nutella’s effort extends beyond financial support, aiming to bring communities together and honor firefighters.
Noah Szporn, senior vice president of spreads at Ferrero North America, expressed this sentiment: “Nutella is all about bringing people together, and we’re proud to use our spread for good to support frontline workers who dedicate their lives to keeping communities safe.
“We look forward to celebrating pancake season in this important new way and seeing all of the firehouse nominations and Nutella pancake creations.”
Celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli also joined the initiative, creating a special recipe, Soufflé Pancakes with Nutella, to inspire and encourage participation.
Guarnaschelli shared her enthusiasm: “Pancakes are a breakfast staple in my household and as a family, we’re always looking for new and tasty ways to up our pancake game, which is why I’m thrilled to be partnering with one of my favorite brands, Nutella, to create a new spin on pancakes and support firefighters across the country.”
The collaboration between Nutella and the NVFC in the “Stacks for Giving Back” initiative exemplifies the power of partnerships in supporting essential community services.
By focusing on volunteer fire departments, this program addresses the often-overlooked needs of these critical responders.
The funding and resources provided by Nutella will assist in enhancing the operational capabilities of fire departments, impacting both the safety of firefighters and the communities they serve.
The unique approach of incorporating a popular culinary element, pancakes, into fundraising and community engagement activities underscores the innovative ways companies can contribute to societal welfare.
The initiative also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by volunteer fire departments and the importance of sustained support from both the private sector and the public.
