As the aroma of turkey and stuffing filled homes across America, Thanksgiving served as a poignant reminder to express gratitude and share abundance with others. This year, Goya Foods embodied the very essence of the holiday, demonstrating a profound commitment to community and compassion by donating over 300,000 pounds of food to families in need. Through its flagship initiative, Goya Gives, the company addressed food insecurity with a spirit of generosity that echoed far beyond Thanksgiving tables.
For Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, giving back wasn’t just a seasonal gesture—it was a year-round mission deeply embedded in the company’s ethos. With roots stretching back to its founding in 1936, Goya long served as a bridge between cultural heritage and modern living. Over the years, its philanthropic efforts extended that bridge into communities grappling with economic challenges.
Bob Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods, captured the heart of this mission: "Goya is deeply committed to our communities and stood ready to help those in need, especially during the holiday season," said Bob Unanue. "With the support of community partners including local law enforcement, food banks, shelters, churches, and many other organizations, we ensured that families, children, and students in need had a warm meal on Thanksgiving. It was vital that we came together and reminded ourselves of the importance of giving back and giving thanks."
Feeding Families, Fueling Hope
The numbers told a powerful story. Each year, through its Goya Gives program, the company donated millions of pounds of food in the United States and globally. This Thanksgiving, the focus was on providing nourishment to families facing increased hardships. With inflation driving up grocery prices and stretching household budgets thin, the ability to afford a Thanksgiving meal—a cherished tradition for many—became a daunting challenge for countless Americans.
Goya’s 300,000-pound food donation helped fill the gap for families, supplying essentials to food banks, shelters, and faith-based organizations.
While the holiday season highlighted the generosity of initiatives like Goya Gives, the program operated year-round to address crises whenever and wherever they arose. From hurricanes in the Caribbean to wildfires in the United States, Goya proved a steady force in disaster relief, providing food aid during times of urgency. For example, following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Goya mobilized swiftly, donating over 1 million pounds of food and water to support recovery efforts. Similar outreach helped communities in Venezuela and other regions struggling with humanitarian crises.
This commitment cemented Goya’s reputation not only as a food brand but also as a pillar of hope for struggling communities. By partnering with international and local organizations, Goya extended its reach far beyond grocery store shelves, leaving a lasting impact on families navigating difficult times.
The Spirit of Thanksgiving
At its core, Thanksgiving was a celebration of gratitude and togetherness—a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and the power of community. Goya’s efforts exemplified these values, proving that corporate responsibility could play a pivotal role in uplifting society. For the millions of individuals who sat down to a warm meal that Thanksgiving because of Goya’s generosity, the impact was deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.
As families across the nation gathered to give thanks, Goya Foods reminded us all of an essential truth: Gratitude was not just an emotion but an action. By giving back, we cultivated a sense of purpose and connection that defined the human spirit.
The story of Goya Gives served as an invitation to all of us. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply checking in on neighbors, there were countless ways to embody the Thanksgiving spirit year-round. As Bob Unanue so aptly put it, "We must come together." In doing so, let us continue to create a world where no one is left behind, and the warmth of the holiday season shines on every table.
This Thanksgiving, Goya Foods reminded us that even amid challenges, there is always room for hope—and a helping hand. Let’s take inspiration from their example and make a difference, one meal at a time.