As a brand committed to a quality-first culture, we strive to leave a positive impact on every Guest who interacts with us. Our commitment goes beyond serving delicious, award-winning food; it extends to meaningful actions in the communities we serve. Through donations, fundraisers, community partnerships, and sustainable packaging initiatives, we continuously work towards driving real change for the better. In the past, we have joined forces with a variety of different charity partners, including No Kid Hungry, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Children’s Bureau, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and ProStart. From fighting to end childhood hunger to investing in research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, The Habit wants to help where we can.
Continue reading to learn more about the recent charitable organizations we’re proud to have partnered with and how our new packaging policy has the potential to make an even larger global impact.
Empowering Children Fighting Cancer with NEGU
The Habit’s newest charity partner, NEGU (Never Ever Give Up), is associated with the Jessie Rees Foundation, which is a global movement that aims to fulfill the wish of 12-year-old Jessica Joy Rees, affectionately known as “Jessie.” The foundation’s mission is to ensure that every child fighting cancer receives the support to Never Ever Give Up by connecting with their family, sharing their stories, providing helpful resources, and sending continuous doses of encouragement throughout their treatment.
As a partner of the NEGU Network, a group of companies in and around our home-base of Orange County, The Habit will help spread hope, joy and love to thousands of kids fighting cancer in local hospitals and from their homes. Our Social Purpose Team will direct The Habit team members to quarterly volunteer shifts at NEGU’s JoyFactory, where they can package JoyJars®–plastic jars filled with new toys, games, and activities for boys and girls–make cozy blankets and more. Since 2012, over 385,000 JoyJars have been sent to children fighting cancer in all 50 states and in 50 countries. One of The Habit’s very own, CFO Tiffany Furman, has been a consistent supporter of NEGU’s mission over the years and we’re so grateful she introduced us to this incredible organization.
Fighting Hunger with Community Action Partnerships of OC & No Kid Hungry
The Habit Burger Grill is also dedicated to fighting hunger in underserved communities. We have joined hands with the Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) to bring pop-up pantries to food deserts, where access to fresh and nutritious food is limited. Through our funding support, we assist with operational costs and procure additional food resources to ensure that families in these areas receive the nourishment they deserve. Moreover, our passionate Habit employees actively participate in volunteer efforts, such as packing and distributing food boxes at the pantry sites. These 15 locations serve families with young children, providing them with essential food boxes, fresh produce, and household items.
Moreover, our commitment to addressing hunger extends even further through our partnership with No Kid Hungry. Starting August 9, Guests at The Habit Burger Grill restaurants nationwide will have the chance to contribute to the cause by rounding up their checks to the nearest whole dollar and donating the difference to No Kid Hungry. As we approach the back-to-school season, it’s essential to recognize that a staggering number of children struggle to access the nourishment they need to learn, focus, and thrive. Since fostering this invaluable partnership in 2015, we have been able to raise $2.75 million towards ending childhood hunger in the United States, which can help provide 27 million meals* to kids.
Through our collaboration with CAP OC and No Kid Hungry, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing hunger, and work towards creating a more food-secure future for all.
Reducing Waste & Promoting Sustainability as a Brand
As an environmentally conscious brand, we understand the responsibility we have towards the planet. Our new packaging policy, spearheaded by our parent company Yum! Brands, reflects a deep commitment to sustainability. By eliminating unnecessary packaging like unrecoverable plastics such as wrappers, cup lids, cutlery, and bags and shifting to sustainable materials, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint. The journey towards adopting more eco-friendly alternatives has been rewarding, guided by Yum! Brands’ vision to explore more options for recyclable and compostable materials.
The positive influence of our efforts extends beyond our restaurants and touches the lives of people around the world. Through our global presence, we hope to influence the industry to adopt sustainable practices, encouraging more brands to take the path of environmental responsibility. This commitment aligns perfectly with our ethos of making a lasting impact on the planet and the communities we serve.
Through our charitable partnerships and our relentless pursuit of sustainability, we strive to spread joy, hope, and encouragement to those in need and contribute to a healthier planet. Every day we are inspired to make a difference, knowing that our collective efforts can bring about meaningful change. We remain committed to creating a better world through charitable actions, quality food and an inviting restaurant atmosphere.