Caitlin O’Shea, communications manager at Canteen, describes how the company has demonstrated its commitment to the value of community during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also explains how the company has activated to meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Q: What is one key to success you or operators have committed to, especially now with the coronavirus pandemic?
A: Community has always been at the heart of Canteen and we want to contribute our resources to those we serve. By partnering with our sister sector, Chartwells K12, we’ve activated our commissary network to prepare boxed breakfasts and lunches that are part of their efforts to serve more than 20 million meals to children across the country while schools are closed.In appreciation for the care they give to our families, friends and neighbors during this difficult time, we've donated meals, perishable items such as milk and eggs, as well as traditional snack items to first responders and charitable organizations in the communities we serve. One example being our team in Madison, Wisc., who partnered with their local Boys and Girls Club and Saris Cycling Group to donate sandwiches, snacks and beverages, which were then delivered to food pantries, multicultural centers and frontline medical workers in their community.Our clients, like us, are adjusting to a new normal. So, in an effort to support them through this changing landscape, our teams have activated to provide pop-up markets, pop-up vending, pre-packaged/prepared fresh food, snack boxes for delivery, take home meals (precooked and uncooked), and increased convenience and pantry items.We continue to be inspired by the good news stories and selfless acts of our clients and customers and we are committed to doing our part.
