JM Family Nurtures Communities Through Local Culinary Partnerships

In collaboration with food services management company, Sodexo, JM Family expands its efforts to purchase from local vendors and support small businesses throughout its locations

To find new ways to support the communities where its associates live and work while celebrating the diversity of regional culinary traditions, JM Family recently enhanced its commitment to shopping locally and supporting small culinary businesses. Acknowledging the interconnected role the business plays within the region, the company has expanded its efforts to collaborate with local food producers, farmers and artisans.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to partner with local vendors whenever possible, championing our food services management partner Sodexo’s motto to ‘start local’,” said Patty Navarro, JM Family’s manager of Associate Services. “Our commitment to utilizing local vendors has helped us to take proactive steps towards strengthening our local community, which in turn is helping to create jobs and lasting relationships within the region. Together, we are not just creating a sustainable future; we are nurturing the very heart of our local businesses and neighborhoods.”

JM Family’s expanded efforts include:

Increased Local Sourcing
Through partnering with local companies like produce distributor, FreshPoint, and aquaponic farm, Marine Education Initiative, JM Family is actively working to strengthen local supply chains. Through these relationships, the company has been able to source fresh, high-quality ingredients within 200 miles of each business location. As part of this program, onsite food services at multiple business locations throughout the country have been able to provide delicious fresh from-the-field food to associates while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Showcasing Local Flavors
At JM Family, food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a celebration of diversity and heritage. Whether that’s utilizing local food trucks for on-campus events, drawing inspiration from associates through the ‘Recipes & Legacies’ Program or choosing local vendor, The Gringo, for monthly empanada days, JM Family is dedicated to building delicious menus inspired by associates, prepared by partners at Sodexo and enjoyed by all. When choosing vendors that understand the culture of the community, the Food Services team has been able to weave a network of regional businesses and build unique ties with the community, in addition to Sodexo’s “Mindful” recipes which ensure associates are able to enjoy nutritional, healthy options.

Investing in Sustainable Practices
Through the careful selection of local businesses as partners, JM Family is not only ensuring the freshest ingredients, it’s minimizing the company’s carbon footprint. The company’s commitment extends beyond the kitchen; the Food Services team has been able to craft a menu that helps the heart of both associates and the environment. By making mindful choices of what is being served, including fish that have been responsibly sourced or embracing produce grown using innovative hydroponic techniques, JM Family is planting seeds towards a healthier planet for all.

About JM Family Enterprises
JM Family Enterprises, Inc. was founded by automotive legend, Jim Moran in 1968. It is a privately held company with more than $20 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. Rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values, JM Family is in the business of helping other businesses succeed. As a long-term partner, it is invested in its companies, associates and its communities. Driven by exceptional performance, current subsidiaries are in the automotive, financial services, franchising and specialty distribution industries. Its family of companies includes: Southeast Toyota Distributors, JM&A Group, World Omni Financial Corp. (dba Southeast Toyota Finance), JM Lexus, Home Franchise Concepts^®, Futura Title & Escrow and Rollease Acmeda. Interact with JM Family on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.