Associated Food Stores was proud to play a role in America’s Potluck, a nationwide celebration organized as part of the America250 initiative to bring people together around food, community, and shared traditions.
As a cooperative built on the principle of strengthening communities through local independent grocers, the event aligned perfectly with AFS’s mission. Throughout the campaign, AFS supported the effort in several meaningful ways that helped connect retailers and communities across Utah.
One of the highlights was AFS’s donation of 200 servings of Red Button Vintage Creamery pie to the Catholic Community Services Dining Hall. The donation helped extend the spirit of America’s Potluck beyond the table and into the community, providing a sweet treat for guests while celebrating generosity and service.
AFS also worked to help retailers participate in the celebration by developing in-store signage highlighting America’s Potluck, while including information about the potluck in online advertising.
To showcase Utah’s rich culinary traditions, AFS contributed five Utah-inspired recipes to the America’s Potluck website. The recipes highlighted regional flavors and ingredients while celebrating the unique food heritage like fry sauce, funeral potatoes, and pasta salad.
The cooperative also partnered with Lee’s Marketplace and local influencer Jennifer Burns for a special America’s Potluck event. The collaboration helped generate excitement around the initiative, encouraged community participation, and highlighted the important role grocery stores play in bringing people together around food, including 35 of Utah’s biggest food influencers.
“America’s Potluck was a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday while recognizing the power of food to connect people,” said Sarah Pettit, Director of Public Affairs at Associated Food Stores. “We were honored to support this effort alongside our retailers, community partners, and the many individuals who helped make the celebration a success.”
From community donations to retailer resources and local partnerships, AFS was proud to support America’s Potluck and demonstrate how independent grocers continue to strengthen the communities they serve. As America looks ahead to its 250th anniversary, AFS remains committed to fostering connection, supporting local communities, and bringing people together around the table.
A big thank you to the following team members who helped make America’s Potluck a reality: Maddie Gillbert, Jade Romano, Kim Ownes, Josh Smith, Boyd Irving, Gordon Saunders, Leonard Steeper, Andrew Wischerath, Ryan Barnes, Todd Humphery, Jamie Stevenson, Ryan Ogden, Lee’s Marketplace and many others who pitched in to support this monumental effort.