Flame Broiler Launches Philanthropic Foundation
The Flame Broiler restaurant chain has established a new nonprofit foundation focused on food equity for youth.
Flame Broiler has launched a new nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting under-resourced youth and communities. The Flame Broiler Foundation will focus on promoting food equity and begins its work with a round-up donation campaign throughout September.
The family-owned quick-service brand, known for its Korean-inspired rice bowls, announced the foundation as a new chapter following its 30th anniversary. Christian Lee, the company's president and chief operating officer, stated that feeding communities was the original reason for starting the business.
Foundation Mission and Priorities
The foundation's mission is to promote food equity and community betterment. Its work will be guided by three key priorities: promoting youth food equity, let community development, and transforming food systems.
Asako Lee, the executive director of the Flame Broiler Foundation, emphasized the goal of access. "We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or location, should have the ability and opportunity to access and consume healthy, affordable and culturally connected foods," she said. The organization has already supported approximately 400 youth through grants and in-kind donations to various programs.
September Round-Up Campaign
For the entire month of September, customers can contribute to the foundation directly at checkout. Guests at participating locations can round up their transaction to the nearest dollar or donate any additional amount, both in-store and online.
Flame Broiler has covered all operational overhead for the campaign. This ensures that 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to nonprofit partners aligned with the foundation's goals. The round-up initiative is described as the first step in giving customers a simple way to participate in the mission.
Community Partnerships and Support
The foundation will provide funding, meal donations, and volunteer support to local organizations. These partners typically deliver after-school programming, community enrichment, and healthy meal initiatives. The California-based brand continues to work with longstanding partners like OC United and has begun collaborating with new organizations such as Crece Urban Farms.
Past charitable efforts by the company have included delivering thousands of nutritious school lunches and providing meal donations to first responders. The Lee family, founders Young and Sarah along with their sons, view the foundation as an extension of their commitment to breaking down barriers to nutritious food beyond their restaurants.
The in-store and online donation campaign is active at all corporate locations in California and participating franchisee locations nationwide. Customers across the country can participate when ordering online or through the Flame Broiler Magic Rewards app.
