Sioux Honey partnered with Smoothie King to deliver nearly 3 tons of Sue Bee® Clover Honey to Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit food rescue organization.
A remarkable contribution took place in Atlanta on January 21, 2026, as the Sioux Honey Co-op and Smoothie King donated a staggering 6,480 bottles of honey to Second Helpings Atlanta. This donation, weighing approximately 4,860 pounds, is enough honey to coat an entire football field and will be distributed to families in need throughout the region. The initiative highlights an ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity in the area.
The donation was made during a media event at the Second Helpings warehouse, emphasizing the collaboration between the two organizations. The Sioux Honey Co-op, which comprises over 200 beekeeper families from across the United States, partnered with Smoothie King to deliver nearly three tons of honey. This effort is part of Sioux Honey’s “Sharing Sweetness” campaign, which has already seen the co-op and its retail partners donate more than 75,000 bottles of Sue Bee® Clover Honey to various food banks and nonprofit organizations.
According to Paul Clements, executive director of Second Helpings, the timing of this donation could not be better. “Food insecurity rates in many Atlanta-area counties meet or exceed the national level of about 14.3%—especially for children and communities of color,” he stated. Since its establishment in 2004, Second Helpings has collected and distributed over 32.6 million pounds of food, assisting those facing hunger in the metro Atlanta area.
Honey’s Unique Qualities and Community Impact
Honey is an ideal food for addressing food insecurity due to its long shelf life and versatility. It does not require refrigeration and has been cherished for its health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Clements noted that demand for food aid has surged by 156%, making the donation particularly crucial. “It will go fast, especially because it’s such a healthy, natural food,” he added.
In addition to its nutritional advantages, honey is a highly sought-after item in free food services. Lori Primavera, vice president of Research and Development at Smoothie King, expressed the company’s commitment to quality ingredients. “Honey is one of those simple ingredients that consumers trust and love for both its delicious taste and nutritional benefits,” she said.
Smoothie King operates over 1,200 locations across the United States and has a reputation for supporting local communities. “Our stores are neighborhood fixtures, and supporting local families through this donation is one more way we live our vision,” Primavera noted.
Supporting Local Farmers and Sustainable Practices
The donation also aligns with the broader agricultural context in Georgia, where the industry generates approximately $83.4 billion annually. Unfortunately, nearly 40% of the produce, primarily fruits and vegetables, goes uneaten due to challenging market conditions and cosmetic standards. Clements highlighted the importance of Second Helpings’ “Field to Fork” program, which compensates local farmers for their crops and helps reduce food waste. “We’ve rescued more than one million pounds of fresh, Georgia-grown produce through this program, equivalent to approximately 833,000 meals,” he stated.
Supporting local farmers is a core value for the Sioux Honey Co-op. Beth Love, marketing manager at the co-op, emphasized their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. “With our U.S. Farmed™ certification from American Farmland Trust, Sioux Honey beekeepers and their families stand with local American farmers,” she explained. The co-op harvested nearly one-fourth of the 134 million pounds of honey collected by U.S. commercial beekeepers last year, illustrating their significant role in the industry.
The donation made by Sioux Honey and Smoothie King is not just about providing honey; it serves as a vital resource in the fight against food insecurity while supporting local agriculture and sustainable practices. The community-driven effort demonstrates how partnerships can effectively address pressing social issues and provide nutritious food for those in need.
For additional details on the organizations involved, visit the respective websites for Second Helpings Atlanta, Sioux Honey Co-op, and Smoothie King.
