CORE Launches Caring for the Classroom to Help Food & Beverage Families Cover Back-to-School Costs

CORE, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting food and beverage employees, has launched the Caring for the Classroom program to provide financial grants for essential school supplies. With IMI Agency serving as the title sponsor, the initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain that back-to-school expenses place on industry families already managing tight budgets. This program represents a strategic effort within the sector to provide tangible support for its workforce during predictable periods of economic pressure.

The Caring for the Classroom initiative is a new financial grant program designed to help qualifying food and beverage families cover the costs of notebooks, backpacks, calculators, and other essential classroom supplies. CORE, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has partnered with IMI Agency as the title sponsor to facilitate these grants as the new school year approaches. Jill Chapman, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships for CORE, emphasized that the back-to-school season is a significant pressure point for working families, and this program allows the industry to turn collective generosity into tangible support that empowers children as they return to school.

To support and expand the reach of the program, CORE is currently accepting additional corporate and individual sponsorships through July 31. Interested companies can participate as Presenting Sponsors with a $2,500 contribution, while individual donations are being accepted through a dedicated Givebutter campaign. These funds are specifically earmarked to help more families within the food and beverage industry prepare their children for the classroom, ensuring they have the necessary tools to feel confident and prepared on their first day.

Founded in 2004, CORE has a long-standing history of providing financial assistance to food and beverage employees navigating various crises, including health issues, injuries, deaths, or natural disasters. The organization has granted aid to industry workers across all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. By introducing Caring for the Classroom, CORE is addressing a recurring financial challenge for the workforce, further solidifying its role as a critical support system for the national hospitality and beverage community.