CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY: 2011 National Baking Week Set for Late Summer

Share Our Strength, the Washington-based nonprofit organization working to end child hunger in the United States, will hold National Baking Week from Aug. 29 through Sept. 4 as part of its “Great American Bake Sale” fundraising program. National Baking Week encourages bakeries, restaurants, and freestanding and supermarket-based delis to hold bake sales or promotions, or donate a percentage of sales during that week to help fight child hunger. In support of the event, Share Our Strength offers a range of online resources, including tips on getting started, promotional ideas, customizable news releases and recipes at the Bake Sale Resource Center at GreatAmericanBakeSale.org.

“National Baking Week gives bakeries, restaurants, delis and supermarkets an avenue to support the Great American Bake Sale and help us put an end to childhood hunger,” notes event director Amy Crowell. “It’s a unique way to rally employees behind a common cause, and it makes customers feel good about patronizing a business that gives back to the community it serves.”

Individual bakery and deli businesses can create their own promotions, which provides them with even more flexibility, adds Crowell. Some bakeries elect to run a limited-time offer, such as a signature cookie, for which all proceeds go to Share Our Strength, while others choose to donate a straight percentage of sales.

To accomplish its goal that no American child go hungry, the organization works to raise awareness of the issue; forges public-private partnerships at the state and city levels; teaches children and families about nutritious, affordable eating; and invests in anti-hunger community organizations.

Since 2003, the Great American Bake Sale and National Baking Week have raised more than $6 million.