For these companies, business is about more than just making money — it’s about giving back. By supplying funds and support for the health of our planet, offering humanitarian aid and supporting local communities, these businesses show their dedication to the better good. Supporting these businesses allows you to get involved in making the world a better place. After all, without you, none of this would be possible.
Local Gainesville Businesses That Give Back
The Repurpose Project
Founded in 2012, The Repurpose Project has been at the front of reuse, zero waste and supporting a community that is excited about the environment. Its projects involve the Reuse Store. Here, you can find used items that you may not find in traditional thrift stores.
Not only does the store prevent many of these items from ending up in landfills, but it also offers affordable options to low-income families for secondhand essentials they would not be able to find elsewhere. This company partners with local schools and businesses to educate them and assist them in their Zero Waste Initiative. It also supports Visionaries for a Robust Reuse Economy. It has also created a Community Center to promote “the togetherness, creativity, art, music, and play that has been disappearing in our modern world full of technology and consumerism,” according to their website.
Fresh Kitchen
Local to Florida, Fresh Kitchen is a restaurant that specializes in healthy eating, offering options for gluten- free, vegan and keto diets. According to their website, they are committed to taking care of the environment by composting, using reusable bowls and cups, using software to be mindful of their carbon footprint and participating in conscious purchasing.
In Gainesville, the company has donated over $3,700 to The Girl’s Place, an organization whose goal is to empower girls. Across the state, Fresh Kitchen donated almost $150,000 to local community organizations and humanitarian aid efforts, according to its 2022 Impact Report.
Two Men and a Truck
Although they serve communities nationwide, Two Men and a Truck is dedicated to giving back to the Gainesville community. They collect non-perishable food for local food banks in the fall and essential care items for women at shelters such as peaceful paths. They help combat homelessness by supporting GRACE Marketplace by donating and delivering items essential to the organization’s success. The company has also partnered with Operation Save Christmas, Dance Marathon at the University of Florida (UF), Food 4 Kids and March of Dimes, according to their website.
Buy One, Give One
Thrive Market
For every annual membership purchased, Thrive Market donates a one-year membership to “a teacher, student, veteran, nurse, first responder, or family in financial need,” according to their 2022 Impact Report. In 2022, they donated $2.78 million to nonprofits for healthy groceries and $1.23 million in discounts and stipends.
Warby Parker
In addition to striving to create affordable glasses that their customers love, Warby Parker is also a
champion for those who cannot afford them at all, donating one pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased. According to their website, they have currently donated over 15 million pairs.
Bombas
With over 3,500 partners across all 50 states, Bombas has donated 100 million items — socks, underwear and t-shirts — to those experiencing homelessness. For every item purchased, one is donated.
For the Greater Good
Publix
Publix is a larger business that gives back. Through its five areas of focus: alleviating hunger, reducing homelessness, encouraging youth, supporting education and improving communities, Publix reaches out to individuals, families and communities in the Southeast who are in need.
Here in Gainesville, Publix supports UF students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity by donating to the Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry. This is where UF individuals can “shop” for free groceries with their UF ID card, according to the Field & Fork website.
Honest
Making beauty, baby and skincare products that are sustainable and good for your body is Honest’s main goal. But they also strive to support families in need and provide humanitarian aid for disaster relief. Partnering with nonprofits, they have donated over 25 million products to individuals and families. They support organizations like Baby2Baby and March of Dimes to provide essential baby products and support moms in need. They have also volunteered time and donated supplies to those impacted by natural disasters, according to their website.
While most of us may be unable to donate millions of dollars to provide aid to those in need on our own, it is the coming together of individuals and communities to support one another and take care of our planet that makes the biggest impact. Next time you grocery shop, purchase glasses or eat out, consider these businesses that give back and others like them. Making a difference isn’t always easy, but it always starts with one person at a time.
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