The Nielsen-Massey Foundation Donates Nearly $300,000 to Support the Foodservice Industry and COVID-19 Relief Funds

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (April 27, 2020) – Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium, pure vanilla extracts and flavors, today announced its charitable arm, The Nielsen-Massey Foundation, has donated nearly $300,000 to a selection of national and local Illinois COVID-19 emergency relief funds that support foodservice industry organizations, small businesses and local workers affected by the pandemic. Founded in 2009, The Nielsen-Massey Foundation is led by third-generation owners Craig, Beth and Matt Nielsen, and their mother, Camilla Nielsen.

“Foodservice has been a cornerstone of our business for more than a century, and this financial commitment is our way of giving back to those whose livelihoods have been threatened by the pandemic,” said Matt Nielsen, Treasurer, The Nielsen-Massey Foundation. “We salute our many friends in the foodservice and culinary arts sector during this challenging time, and hope these donations will help sustain their efforts in continuing to inspire and enrich each of our lives through the power of food.”

Among the foodservice organizations supported by The Foundation include:

• The James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund – provides financial assistance to small, independent restaurants that need funds to help offset operating expenses
• Another Round, Another Rally – distributes grants to those in the hospitality and foodservice industry
• One Fair Wage – provides cash assistance to tipped service workers
• Restaurant Workers Community Foundation – provides monetary relief for restaurant workers and small business owners
• Common Threads – service that provides chef-made meals for families in partnership with local restaurants

In addition to organizations and relief funds dedicated to the foodservice industry, The Nielsen-Massey Foundation has made donations to several general COVID-19 relief efforts:

• Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund – helps food banks across the country support communities affected by the pandemic
• United Way Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund – provides increased access to emergency food and basic supplies, as well as living expense assistance
• Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund – provides financial resources to local community foundations that support a myriad of services ranging from food security to healthcare

“As an organization that has endured for more than a century and through prior periods of global uncertainty, we remain hopeful that we will all emerge stronger than ever,” said Nielsen. “In the meantime, we are proud to play a role in supporting the organizations doing invaluable work to aid both our neighbors and foodservice establishments and workers during this period.”

For more information on The Nielsen-Massey Foundation, please visit nielsenmassey.com/nielsen-massey-foundation.

About The Nielsen-Massey Foundation

In 2009, The Nielsen-Massey Foundation was founded with a mission to assist disadvantaged children and adults with education and leadership development, especially in the field of culinary arts. The Foundation also considers requests for assistance in the development of sustainable environmental practices or for programs benefiting people in countries of need. Ten percent of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas profits are donated to The Nielsen-Massey Foundation.

About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas  

With more than a century’s worth of experience, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned a reputation as the world’s leading manufacturer of premium, pure vanilla extracts. The third-generation family-owned and operated company uses a proprietary slow, cold extraction process to deliver the richest tasting vanilla. Nielsen-Massey was the first to introduce an organic and Fairtrade vanilla from Madagascar and remains committed to supporting the plants, people and communities that supply its beans. All consumer products are all-natural, allergen-free, certified Kosher and Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO Project Verified. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. To learn more visit NielsenMassey.com.

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Mission statement: “Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is on a mission to delight people with nature’s finest tasting vanillas and flavors.”

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