Nelson-Jameson Foundation Supports More Than 20 Community Organizations in Inaugural Year

MARSHFIELD, Wisc. — Food and beverage processing distributor Nelson-Jameson announced details of its philanthropic program this year with contributions from the Nelson-Jameson Foundation (NJF).

Nelson-Jameson launched NJF in September 2022 as a 501(c)(3) private foundation to formalize its longstanding culture of philanthropy and community stewardship. Since then, NJF has provided donations, volunteer-based support, scholarships, matching gifts and financial grants to more than 20 nonprofits and charitable organizations in the greater Marshfield, Wisc., area and across the nation.

“Philanthropy and community support have been part of Nelson-Jameson’s culture since it was founded more than 76 years ago,” said Amanda Nelson Sasse, president of NJF. “We’re proud to build on this important legacy while also stepping up to meet the growing needs of our community partners.”

Central to Nelson-Jameson’s philanthropic approach is its investment in people through education, including its own Golden Rule Scholarships and scholarships with University of Wisconsin-River Falls and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. NJF has also donated to the University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment to support the development of the country’s largest research dairy.

Nelson-Jameson launched several projects this year that have contributed to NJF’s goals, including leading a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and creating a Dairy Art Calendar. Additionally, a percentage of the proceeds from We Supply America’s “Force for Good” online store is being donated to NJF. Nelson-Jameson also has a strong partnership with Marshfield Area United Way, where employees have volunteered for community programs working to improve mental and physical health, expand education, grow livelihoods and address essential needs (food, shelter and clothing).

“An investment in people has been part of our culture since day one,” said Nelson Sasse. “Nelson-Jameson strives to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity and kindness. The foundation allows us to invest in these values for the benefit of our employees, their families and our community.”

In addition to participating in company-wide efforts, Nelson-Jameson employees can receive eight hours of paid time off per year during normal work hours to volunteer at charitable organizations of their choice. NJF also provides a matching gift program that matches employee donations to 501(c)(3) charities, with gifts up to $1,000 per year per employee.

NJF plans to continue to increase its giving to align with anticipated company growth and expansion into new markets, including Nelson-Jameson’s newest strategic distribution center in Jerome, Idaho, which is scheduled to open next year. In addition to its headquarters in Marshfield, the food and beverage distributor also has distribution centers in Turlock, Calif., Amarillo, Texas, Twin Falls, Idaho, and York, Pa.