When Upper Crust Food Service chef, Karen Irby, saw the effects of a storm that ravaged through Oxford, Mississippi Easter weekend leaving many families without power, she wanted to find a way to give back.
“It was 1 a.m. and the electrical team was outside cutting away trees to help get our power back on and city running again,” said Irby. “It hit me how essential so many people are to our town during this crisis and I wanted to help.”
Taking a cue from her culinary background, Irby reached out to her mother and Upper Crust Food Service Chef Sean Reed. From there, the trio enlisted the talents of a neighboring chef to prepare meals for the employees and families of the North East Mississippi Electric Power Association. But they didn’t stop there.
Teaming up with Alpha Phi House Director, Renee Zibilich, the group was able to expand their reach to others in the region.
“I began to contact other house directors asking if they had any food to donate,” said Zibilich. “We all wanted to put our groceries to a good cause and it has been a wonderful way to bring the Greek community together while helping others during this time.”
From there, the group set their sights on the city’s recently furloughed employees, assembling over 400 meals to nourish a crew that included the town’s fire, police and sheriff departments. They have also been proud to provide assistance to the Oxford School District.
Irby, who has been with Upper Crust Food Service for just a little over a year says the support of the organization has been instrumental during this time. “I absolutely love this company,” says Irby of UCFS. “The fact they believe in helping our communities is amazing and gives me such joy.”
As we continue to stay home to help mitigate the spread of this virus, Upper Crust Food Service, along with other local food organizations, have come together to give back to the city of Oxford, Mississippi, and other campuses and cities throughout the country. Since schools have shut down, UCFS has shifted its efforts to provide meals for local organizations throughout the country.
“At a time of great uncertainty, the opportunity to come together and give back is paramount,” says Upper Crust Food Service President Adam Guy. “The amount of support we have received is really a testament to the great family and leadership we have in our company.”
To date, Upper Crust Food Service has donated over $250,000 to local and national food banks as part of our initiative to give back to the communities we serve. Looking for ways to give back? Reach out to us at ray@uppercrustfoodservice.com