Cedar's Foods Pledges $50,000 to Support Emergency Food Relief Efforts in Haverhill, MA

Working Together with Local Leaders, Businesses, and Residents to Ensure Every Family in Haverhill Has Access to Food

HAVERHILL, Mass., November 3, 2025 - As food insecurity reaches a critical point in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Cedar's Foods and CEO Charles Hanna announced a $50,000 donation to kick off the launch of the One Haverhill Fund, in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay's United Response efforts. This donation will provide immediate relief to local organizations stocking food pantries and distributing essential food supplies to residents in need.

Haverhill, a Gateway City, is facing an urgent crisis as many families experience a gap in SNAP benefits. City leaders, community partners, nonprofits, and businesses are banding together to respond quickly and deliver resources to residents.

In addition to their monetary contribution, Cedar's is working with industry partners to secure food donations, discounted goods, and other resources for community food pantries. This support is part of the brand's ongoing Cedar's with Heart initiative, which focuses on fighting food insecurity and investing in the local communities the company calls home.

"At Cedar's, caring for our community has always been at the heart of our mission. Haverhill has supported us for more than 40 years, and in this moment of need, we are stepping forward, and calling on others to join us," Says Charles Hanna, CEO, Cedar's Foods, "Together, we can ensure our neighbors have access to food, dignity, and hope."

Three Immediate Community Initiatives Launching

• One Haverhill Fund (Powered by United Way): Provides ongoing funds to local organizations to stock pantries and support emergency food efforts.

• Haverhill Helps Platform: A new hub, created by Representative Andy Vargas, where nonprofits can post real-time needs and volunteers, residents, and businesses can sign up to meet them. The platform will also list local resources and businesses providing aid. For more information visit the link below.

• City of Haverhill Food Drive: In partnership with the City of Haverhill, residents can help combat food insecurity by donating non-perishable foods at local drop-off sites.

Cedar's encourages members of the business and civic community, along with local residents, to join together in supporting these efforts in whatever way they can.

"Cedar's is incredible. Haverhill isn't just where they do business. They care deeply about our community," stated Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett. "As a business, they have always been generous, but during times of crises, you can count on Cedar's to stand up and ask, 'what more can we do?'. On behalf of all the families and individuals in need who will benefit from this donation during these uncertain times, I want to say thank you for your continued love and support of Haverhill."

"We are deeply grateful to have Cedar's here in Haverhill—true leaders in giving back to the community where they have grown their business," said Massachusetts State Representative Andy Vargas. "They were critical when we set up the One Haverhill Fund during the pandemic and here, they are stepping up again. Cedar's sets an example for what it means to build success while staying rooted in service. This is a model we hope other members of our business community will follow as we work together to meet the needs of our neighbors. These are challenging times, but with the leadership of companies like Cedar's, our nonprofits, and our local leaders and community members, we can continue to support Haverhill residents through uncertainty and toward a stronger future."

"For families in Haverhill facing an abrupt loss or delays in food assistance, this generous gift from Cedar's comes at a critical time," said Marty Martinez, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. "United Way is proud to partner with nonprofit, business and government leaders in Haverhill to support our neighbors who are counting on our community to come together to meet the unprecedented need, and we are grateful Cedars has joined us. We will continue to mobilize resources to bridge gaps in assistance, ensure access to food and help nonprofit organizations adapt and expand to meet the increased demand."

For more than four decades, Cedar's has been rooted in the Merrimack Valley, growing from a family-run kitchen operation into one of the nation's leading Mediterranean food brands. Through the Cedar's with Heart program, the company has donated more than $2 million to local communities, supported more than 100,000 individuals, and continues to invest deeply in youth, family, and food security programs across New England. For more information on our Cedar's with Heart initiative, please visit the link below.

About Cedar's Foods

Founded in 1981, Cedar's Foods is a family-owned company dedicated to sharing the authentic, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with American consumers. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Cedar's Foods crafts its products using time-honored recipes and only the finest, freshest ingredients. Each dip, spread, and sauce is designed to capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, delivering rich, bold flavors and innovative combinations that enhance any meal. Cedar's Foods offers a wide range of products, from classic hummus and tzatziki to exciting new flavors and limited-time offerings. Proudly free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors, Cedar's Foods products cater to health-conscious consumers seeking delicious, high-quality options. Today, Cedar's Foods remains a leader in the Mediterranean foods category, providing millions of consumers nationwide with flavorful, wholesome, and versatile options to elevate everyday snacking and dining.