In the spirit of Thanksgiving and community-building, the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation partnered with hunger relief organization Goodr to host a Pop-Up Grocery Market in Madison on Thursday, Nov. 14. The event provided hundreds of local families with 7-10 days’ worth of free groceries, including fresh produce, eggs, bread, milk, juice, turkey, tuna, snacks, oatmeal, and an array of holiday canned goods.
The initiative aimed to make food access dignified and convenient, allowing individuals to obtain groceries and holiday necessities without the burden of a price tag.
“We believe in helping people not just in times of crisis but with long-term support,” said Wisconsin Sales Director Estelle Blockoms for American Family. “This pop-up market is one way we can contribute to the well-being of our neighbors.”
American Family agency owners pride themselves on working and living in the communities they serve, and most live within a two-to-five-mile radius of their clients. This deep connection allows them to be active participants in improving local lives.
Madison-area American Family Insurance agency owners Keenan Jones and Yolanda Grajales-Sutter were on hand to distribute food boxes and connect with attendees.
“As I watched today’s event unfold, I was struck by the enthusiasm of American Family volunteers and community leaders,” said Jones. “Their eagerness to help matched the urgent need, and that’s something you only understand by being there on the ground. American Family saw that need and took real action. Yolanda and I had the privilege of meeting so many community members, and these efforts will have a lasting impact on trust in our agencies.”
Grajales-Sutter agreed, saying, “It was a great opportunity for American Family to support those in need. The attendees were grateful for this help, especially at this time of year.”
The event also served as a reminder that American Family Insurance is not just about policies, but about people. Jones and Grajales-Sutter shared about working for American Family Insurance and serving as community ambassadors.
“As Madison grows and its demographics change, it’s important for us to reflect that diversity in our agency owners and leadership,” Blockoms added. “We’re hiring, and we’re always looking for individuals passionate about serving their communities.”
With more community-driven events on the horizon, American Family Insurance looks forward to further strengthening bonds and supporting its neighbors in meaningful ways.
“At American Family Insurance, we are dedicated to making a difference across the state,” Blockoms said. “We’re excited to see how these events continue to build opportunities and bring people together.”
Nyra Jordan, AVP of Community & Social Impact echoed Blockoms comments by stating, “At American Family Insurance, we believe in showing up in community when people need us the most. Through our food pop-up in collaboration with Goodr and Fountain of Life Covenant Church, we were able to provide 350 families with a week’s worth of food. I am grateful for the ability of our agency owners and employees who volunteered for the event to come together and give back in a meaningful way.”
