Sysco Returns as Title Sponsor of CORE's Groceries with Gratitude Holiday Program

Sysco is returning as title sponsor of CORE's Groceries with Gratitude program, which provides grocery e-gift cards to families of food and beverage employees, the company said on October 15, 2026. The program, now in its second year, is led by Sysco alongside presenting sponsors IMI Agency, Rodney Strong Vineyards and Black Angus Steakhouse, according to EIN Presswire.

How the Groceries with Gratitude Program Works

CORE, or Children of Restaurant Employees, provides financial assistance to families of food and beverage employees navigating life-altering circumstances. Every gift to Groceries with Gratitude helps fund e-gift cards that cover groceries for up to five family meals, delivered directly to families so they can choose food that works for their household.

"The holidays are the busiest season of the year for food & beverage employees, but a busy season doesn't always mean a full pantry," said Jill Chapman, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships for CORE. "Groceries with Gratitude takes one worry off their plate. With Sysco's support as title sponsor, more families can stock their kitchens and share a warm meal together this season."

Businesses and individuals can give at remaining sponsorship levels: Presenting Sponsor at $5,000, Support Five Families at $1,000, Support Three Families at $600, and Support One Family at $200. Black Angus Steakhouse is relocating from its current Albuquerque site to a new building at 4321 Wyoming NE in the WyMont development, a 6,135-square-foot space once slated for Restoration Pizza, now leased to Black Angus pending final permits, Yahoo reported on October 14, 2026.

Sysco's Scale Behind the Sponsorship

Sysco Corporation is the world's largest broadline foodservice distributor, operating 337 distribution centers across 10 countries to serve over 730,000 restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and hotels, according to akta.pro company records. The company reported fiscal year 2025 revenue of $81.37 billion with $1.83 billion net income, and projects $94.1 billion in revenue by 2029. Sysco serves over 730,000 customer locations across North America with approximately 17% U.S. market share.

Sysco's Recent Industry Recognition

Sysco received the Southern Smoke Foundation's 2026 Hall of Flame Award for its support of food and beverage industry workers, recognizing financial and product donations that fund emergency relief and mental health services for hospitality workers, Stock Titan reported in October 2026. In October 2026, Sysco named Grid Dynamics its Partner of the Year for AI initiatives across product search, digital commerce, and engineering, with the partnership beginning in 2024, according to Business Wire Blog. Sysco is also seeking regulatory approval for its $29 billion acquisition of Restaurant Depot, arguing the deal will improve delivery speed and product assortment, Restaurant Business reported in October 2026.

Granting Timeline

Donations are open now, and granting opens November 2 and closes December 15, 2026. Families of food and beverage employees in need can apply through CORE's website.