The Importance of Community Involvement
Introduction
While it’s easy to see the appeal of craft beer, with its unique flavors and high-quality ingredients, we often overlook the impact that breweries can have on their surrounding communities. Many breweries are small businesses that rely on local support to thrive, which means it’s in their best interest to establish themselves as an integral part of their community.
But community involvement isn’t just good for business. It’s also a way for breweries to give back, support local causes, and create a positive impact in their neighborhoods. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at three breweries that have gone above and beyond to serve their communities.
Brewery 1: Highland Park Brewery
Highland Park Brewery, located in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Highland Park, takes community involvement to the next level. The brewery hosts regular events that bring together locals to enjoy beer and support local businesses, including their popular “Brews and Bites” event, which features food trucks and live music.
But Highland Park Brewery is also committed to supporting the arts in their community. They’ve collaborated with local artists and musicians to host events and create limited-edition beer can designs. They even opened their own art and music space, The Lodge Room, which has quickly become a beloved neighborhood spot.
Another way that Highland Park Brewery gives back is through their “Cans for the Community” program. For every four-pack of beer sold, the brewery donates a can of food to a local food bank. Through this program, they’ve donated thousands of cans of food to help fight hunger in their community.
Brewery 2: Founders Brewing Co.
Founders Brewing Co. has been a staple of the Grand Rapids, Michigan community since they opened their doors in 1997. But they’ve also expanded their reach by giving back on a national level.
One of their biggest initiatives is the “Brewed for All” campaign. Through this program, they donate a portion of the proceeds from their All Day IPA beer to the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program, which works to combat discrimination and advance justice for people of color.
Founders also supports a number of local and national charities, including the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the Keep A Breast Foundation. They’ve even established their own philanthropic arm, the Big Pitcher Foundation, which supports organizations that are dedicated to making a difference in their communities.
Brewery 3: New Belgium Brewing Co.
New Belgium Brewing Co. is known for their innovative beers and commitment to sustainability, but they’re also dedicated to serving their community. Their flagship brewery, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a certified B Corp, which means they meet strict standards for social and environmental performance.
One way that New Belgium gives back is through their “Tour de Fat” event series. Each year, the brewery hosts a series of bike-centric celebrations in cities across the country. All proceeds from these events go directly to local nonprofits, supporting everything from bike advocacy to environmental conservation.
The brewery also supports their employees’ volunteer efforts through their “Volunteer Time Off” program. Every employee receives paid time off to volunteer in their community, helping to strengthen the bonds between the brewery and the people they serve.
Conclusion
While we may think of breweries as simply places to grab a drink, the reality is that they can have a much wider impact on their communities. By supporting local causes, collaborating with artists and musicians, and giving back on a national level, breweries like Highland Park Brewery, Founders Brewing Co., and New Belgium Brewing Co. are showing us what it means to be good neighbors. So next time you raise a glass, consider the impact that your favorite brewery is having beyond the beer in your hand.
