(Food-Beverage-News.Com, October 11, 2013 ) Norwich, VT -- A Vermont-based company is celebrating their length of time in business, not with cake, but with donations.
Yummy Yammy's founder and "Yambassador", Lisa Johnson, reports that in October every year she has given back to the community in some way during the company's anniversary month.
"It's a great way to say thank you to the people who've built our business," reports Johnson.
The celebration is two-pronged this year, according to the company's website.
Because it's the business's fourth anniversary, two of the company's five flavors of sweet potato salsa are on sale for $4 each, only on Amazon and only for a week (regular retail price is $9.99).
Secondly, Yummy Yammy is donating $1 to a local hunger organization for every jar sold during that same week. "It's really the most rewarding check I write all year," Johnson beams.
"We're a very small company, making a totally new food, and just starting to really build our presence in the marketplace," says the Vermont resident.
"Being self-funded, my relatively new little business doesn't really have a budget for this. But every October, remembering what it was like that first day, selling homemade food that no one had ever seen anywhere in the world before, standing at that rickety little card table outside my town's general store, and having people love it so much that I sold out in the first few hours... remembering all this, I just have to put it on sale for people and give something away to my neighbors who are having such a hard time -- especially this year."
Then Johnson's brow creases. "Unfortunately, every single year I've said, 'Especially this year.' It just never seems to get better for so many. I guess this is just what I can do to give back."
Her donations haven't been limited to sale prices and cash to charities, however. Sometimes it has taken on a ghoulish twist.
"Some years I've also given out hot food on a chilly Vermont Halloween: steamy sweet potato soup after a cold night of candy collection is such a relief to the parents of my little town. I set up in the fire station, with the volunteers who hand out hot dogs. I get to see all the little kids, and it's really fun to give away something so nourishing. One year I offered 'A Bowl of Brains' -- a special yam-based sauce over spaghetti, for a gleeful gross-out dish."
When asked what influenced her to be so concerned with her neighbors, Johnson is quick to respond.
"Oh, I do so little, really. There are people who give their whole lives to helping others, and this is such a small effort. I want to give what I can, because my mother has always done that, because I was a Girl Scout, because I traveled when I was younger and found out what impoverishment really is, because I have a tender heart, I guess."
As her company grows, will she continue these efforts?
"Oh, yes!" exclaims an enthused Johnson. "One year I think we gave away $75. And I can't wait til it's $750, or $7500... I hope someday we can grow to give out $75,000 a year! Won't that be worth working for!" While one might wish it weren't needed, it's hard to argue with that kind of business growth.
About Yummy Yammy
Yummy Yammy produces the world's only sweet potato salsa. All our superfood salsas are made with 100% pure flame-roasted sweet potato as the main ingredient instead of tomato. We are a Vermont company delightfully bringing sweet potatoes to the nation.
