Empire Industries, Chili Tasting for Charity

Nestled in the heart of Manchester is a brick building covered in snow from recent storms blanketing New England. The employees inside step away from computers and forklifts to gather around three folding tables boasting an inviting array of homemade chili with all the fixin’s.

This is not the first time Empire Industries, Inc. has hosted a chili tasting for charity and it will not be the last. Established in 1942, Empire Industries is a privately owned, third generation family business with its main manufacturing plant located in Manchester, Connecticut.

They display a banner on their building and website stating “Products Made in the USA” and their commitment to community is evident in their support of the ongoing work of MACC Charities (Manchester Area Conference of Churches, Inc.).

MACC Charities provides food, clothing, shelter and advocacy for the unmet basic needs of people in the Manchester area. The dedication of community partners like Empire Industries provides the support MACC needs to operate a community kitchen and food pantry, thrift shop, homeless shelter and advocacy department.

Empire Industries matched the gifts of it’s employees, raising $1,650.00. This alone can feed 15 families (of four people) for nearly two months through the MACC Charities Community Pantry. The support from the Greater Manchester community has tangible and measurable impact on the lives of our neighbors struggling to overcome basic needs.

To learn more about Empire Industries, please visit www.empireindustries.com

To learn more about the work of MACC Charities, please visit www.macc-ct.org

(Photo: Pictured from left to right:

Mark Schauster, President of Empire Industries; Peggy Gagne, Empire Industries Employee; Cheryl Courtemanche, Empire Industries Employee; Fran Giard, Retired Empire Industries Employee; and Beth Stafford, CEO/Executive Director of MACC Charities.)