CORE, Sysco revive holiday grocery aid for food and beverage families

CORE has relaunched Groceries with Gratitude, a holiday program backed by Sysco and other industry partners to deliver grocery e-gift cards to food and beverage employees facing hardship. Granting opens Nov. 2 and runs through Dec. 15, with donations open now.

Why it matters: - The program helps food and beverage workers who spend the holidays serving others but may struggle to afford food for their own families. - Grocery e-gift cards let families choose the food that fits their household needs. - Each gift can cover groceries for up to five family meals.

What happened: - CORE announced the return of Groceries with Gratitude, a holiday giving program for families of food and beverage employees in need. - Sysco is the title sponsor. - IMI Agency, Rodney Strong Vineyards and Black Angus Steakhouse are presenting sponsors. - Donations are open now at Groceries with Gratitude donations. - Families can apply at Groceries with Gratitude applications.

The details: - The program is in its second year. - Donations fund grocery e-gift cards delivered directly to eligible families. - CORE said the gifts provide dignity by letting families pick the food that works for them. - Remaining sponsorship tiers include: Presenting Sponsor at $5,000, Support Five Families at $1,000, Support Three Families at $600 and Support One Family at $200. - The $5,000 level includes premier logo placement on the Groceries with Gratitude website page, two group sponsor social posts and presenting-sponsor-only emails. - The $1,000 level includes a logo on CORE's website, social media content and granted e-gift card emails. - The $600 level includes a name on CORE's website and social media content. - The $200 level includes a name on CORE's website. - Businesses interested in sponsorship can contact Jill Chapman at jill@coregives.org or Madison Kerbyson at madison@coregives.org. - Granting opens Nov. 2 and closes Dec. 15, 2026. - CORE identifies itself as Children of Restaurant Employees. - CORE provides financial assistance to families of food and beverage employees navigating life-altering circumstances.

Between the lines: - CORE is using a coalition model to expand holiday aid across the industry. - Sysco's lead role signals a push to make the campaign a broader industry effort rather than a standalone charity drive. - The messaging centers on relief and choice, not just donation volume.

What's next: - CORE will begin granting grocery e-gift cards on Nov. 2. - The program will continue taking donations and sponsorships through the holiday season. - Families and supporters are being asked to spread the word to reach workers who need help.