For many hummus enthusiasts, store-bought brands often fall short compared to homemade versions. The added preservatives in these products give them a sour taste and compromise their quality. However, my experience shifted when I tried Cedar’s lemon hummus. As a seasoned traveler who has visited Lebanon, I was pleasantly surprised by the authenticity and flavor of Cedar’s products. Despite my preference for homemade food, Cedar’s hummus has earned a spot in my grocery cart. Nonetheless, as the founder of a sustainability publication, Azure Road, I cannot ignore the impact of my purchases on the environment and local communities. This raised my curiosity about the community initiatives and charity work undertaken by Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods.
Cedar’s Foods was founded by Layla and Ibrahim “Abe” Hanna, starting as a small family business and evolving into a nationally recognized brand synonymous with authenticity and community engagement. Their son, Charles Hanna, now leads the company, preserving its commitment to quality and innovation. The journey began in 1981 when the Hannas moved to Massachusetts and missed the hommus from Lebanon. Using Layla’s family recipe, they started making hummus, taboule, and baba ghannouj in their kitchen. Their breakthrough came when Market Basket began stocking their products, catalyzing the company’s rapid expansion. Today, Cedar’s Foods operates from Massachusetts, producing over 145 million pounds of product annually and maintaining high food safety standards and certifications.
Charles Hanna’s leadership as CEO since the 1990s has propelled Cedar’s Foods from a regional player to a national brand. Upholding his family’s legacy, he expanded operations, secured national accounts, and diversified product offerings. By prioritizing authenticity and preserving traditional recipes, Cedar’s Foods has fostered a loyal customer base. Charles Hanna’s approach blends respect for tradition with a forward-thinking vision, ensuring the company’s growth while staying true to its roots.
Community Engagement at Cedar’s: The Heart Initiative
Beyond culinary success, Cedar’s Foods stands out for its commitment to community engagement, a value instilled by the founders and amplified under Charles Hanna’s leadership. Rooted in social responsibility, the company partnered with local organizations to address food insecurity and enrich communities. In 2020, Cedar’s launched the „Cedar’s with Heart“ initiative, dedicated to positive societal impact through charitable endeavors and community support.
The Impact of Cedar’s with Heart Initiative
Since its inception, Cedar’s with Heart has donated over $2,000,000, benefiting more than 50,000 individuals. The initiative targets food insecurity, supporting programs like the YMCA’s Backpack Foods Program and aiding organizations like the Boys & Girls Club. Cedar’s also promotes healthy eating habits through educational programs and supports underserved communities, earning recognition like the “Business Champion for Youth” award. Tackling issues like metastatic breast cancer and empowering adults with disabilities, Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods exemplifies corporate social responsibility and community involvement.
Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods transcends the realm of store-bought hummus by embodying values of authenticity, sustainability, and community impact. Through initiatives like Cedar’s with Heart, the company not only delivers premium products but also contributes to social upliftment on a significant scale. Next time you savor Cedar’s hummus, remember that you’re not just enjoying a flavorful snack—you’re supporting a brand that cares for people and the planet.
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