Back to School with Franchising Gives Back
Hard to believe it’s already September and kids are going back to school. Sadly, many children don’t have what they need to succeed during the academic year. According to No Kid Hungry, one in eight school aged children face food insecurity (learn more about how Tropical Smoothie Cafe is helping combat child hunger), but that’s also only one part of what students need. School supplies, positive learning environments and ways to not just survive but thrive are all key to a successful schooling experience. Luckily, there are many locally owned franchised businesses who are stepping up to help. Not only do these businesses provide employment within their communities, but they also work to provide services for those in the most need in their communities. Below, we’ve included a couple of the groups making a difference for children starting school. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and we look forward to continuing to highlight how franchises in every industry, and in every community give back.
Kiddie Academy is an early educational academy who strives to encourages children to grow socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually. At their recent Annual Conference, attendees packed over 300 backpacks for children experiencing homelessness with school supplies and inspiring handwritten notes. But, they go a step further by including their students and families to support local giving back initiatives. This helps children learn the value of community from a very young age. Twice a year, the locations in Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect (Chicago suburbs) work with Feed My Starving Children to pack meals for children in need. This spring, working together, packed over 27,000 meals this spring.
“It’s an amazing experience,” shared Kiddie Academy Franchisee Preeti Gulati. “We’re so proud of our staff and students for their dedication to helping others,” said Gulati. “Giving back to the community is an important part of our mission, and we’re committed to making a difference in the world.”
Learn More About Kiddie Academy’s Giving Back Efforts
According to the School Nutrition Association, there’s now more than $19 million in unpaid meal debt, while data gathered by the Education Data Initiative reveals that 30 million students cannot afford their meals. Arby’s wanted to make a difference. “The Arby’s Foundation was created to help children achieve their dreams, and relieving childhood hunger is a big part of that,” says Arby’s Brand President Rita Patel. “Schools are the foundation of our communities – they help children grow into our future leaders. Doing our part to eliminate this debt is crucial in helping them reach their potential.” Arby’s Foundation has pledged $1 million to provide relief to families across the country. Their first pledge is a donation to the town Arby’s was founded in Boardman, Ohio. If you’d like to nominate a school in your community, click here.
Check out Arbys’ partnership with Tiffany Haddish to reduce school lunch debt
2Inspire helps students thrive through partnerships with NASA and Crayola. Madscience, sparks learning and inspiration through hands-on STEM learning in after-school programs and special events. Similarly, Crayola Imagine Arts Academy encourages children to unleash their creativity through art. At the IFA 2023 Annual Convention, not only did they volunteer their time to help with local on-site school improvements, but they also donated 200 STEM-based learning packs to the school.