Ben E. Keith Foods

Ben E. Keith Foods has a legacy of contributing to the communities it serves, said Rusty Mathis, general manager of the Fort Worth-based company’s Little Rock Division.

The company, which distributes food service products and alcoholic beverages, was established in 1906 in Fort Worth. Ben E. Keith “was very philanthropic back in those days,” Mathis said. “He was one of the first presidents of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and was very influential in the early growth of Fort Worth, and that’s just kind of led down to every generation within the company.”

The food service division of the company serves 11 states and the company as a whole employs over 4,000.

Donations to local charitable organizations from the company’s North Little Rock location include cash and in-kind gifts, ranging from food products and beverages to mobile refrigeration and storage equipment. And employees volunteer about 400 hours a year.

Ben E. Keith has a number of programs aimed at helping the community. One of those, Farm Fresh Wishes, was created by BEK chef Shane Henderson; it raises money and awareness for Make-A-Wish Mid-South. During the past five years, the Farm Fresh Wishes event has raised more than $400,000 for Make-A-Wish Mid-South. Another program, the Next Course for Youth Home, is now in its third year. This event has raised $145,000 for Youth Home.

Mathis said BEK workers give not only money but their time to area organizations.

Asked what the company and its employees get from helping nonprofits, Mathis said: “A better community.”

“If we can create a stronger community, then it’s going to help our business prosper as we go,” he said. “It’s just part of what we feel all corporations should do.”