Army’s Kitchen has gained recognition for its commitment to providing convenient vegan and vegetarian meals using organic ingredients. However, their positive impact goes beyond just offering healthy foods. The company was recently honored by being included in the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list, published by the San Francisco Business Times.
Army’s Kitchen President, Paul Scheifer, expressed his gratitude for his recognition, stating that creating an inclusive company that aligns with their values is their top priority. He believes this award reflects their culture and their efforts to foster a collaborative environment. This company secured a 10th position out of more than 100 companies in the largest-company category.
The firm shared its excitement on LinkedIn, emphasizing its commitment to actively listening to its employees and cultivating an inclusive atmosphere. According to a survey by the SF Business Times, approximately 90% of the staff feel valued for their contributions. They aim to improve this percentage in the upcoming year, striving for even greater employee satisfaction.
Since its establishment in 1987, Army’s Kitchen has focused on building a brand focused around food and family. Co-founders Rachel and Andy Berliner have maintained this vision, considering their employees as part of the Kitchen.
Andy’s initial business goal was to earn enough money to put his daughter through college. Having achieved that, he also decided to extend that gift to the employees.
To date, Amy’s Kitchen has awarded 1,400 scholarships to the children of their employees. Many of these recipients are the first generation in their families to attend college. Some have even returned to work for the company professionally after completing their education. In total, Amy’s Kitchen has contributed around $1.
million in scholarships since they started the program in 2000.
The firm’s dedication to its employees extends beyond scholarships. They also provide unique healthcare benefits. Schiefer explains that they have invested in a remarkable health equity strategy, including establishing fully bilingual healthcare clinics. These clinics are free for employees and their families.
Unlike traditional healthcare facilities, Amy’s Kitchen’s clinics offer 30-minute appointments, allowing patients to discuss integrated strategies that address medical conditions, wellness, and lifestyle factors. They guide individuals from primary care to the necessary specialists, providing coaching and support. This approach has led to improvements in chronic health conditions among their employees.