Nutella® Partners with National Volunteer Fire Council to Support Local Fire Departments With “Stacks for Giving Back”

March 4, 2024

$25,000 in fire department grants and 100 pancake breakfast fundraiser kits will be awarded

As a brand that aspires to spread smiles for the past 60 years, this pancake season Nutella® is seeking to shine a light on those who spread positivity in their local communities with “Stacks for Giving Back.” Through this program, Nutella has partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the leading association representing the nation’s volunteer fire and emergency services, to award $25,000 in fire department grants. In addition, consumers can nominate fire departments to receive a kit to help pull off their next pancake fundraiser.

Fire departments face many challenges to afford equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and keep up with high pressure demands due to increasing call volume, new training requirements, and much more. To help volunteer fire departments secure the necessities they need to best serve their communities, Nutella has partnered with the NVFC to award $5,000 grants to five deserving departments. To be eligible, departments must be over 50% volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be located in the U.S., and the individual applying or department chief must be a member of the NVFC. Apply by March 22 at www.nvfc.org/nutellastacksforgivingback.

“Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of their communities. It is the NVFC’s mission to support our nation’s firefighters, and we’re thankful to partners like Nutella for helping us honor their service and provide much-needed funding for critical resources, like new gear and equipment, that enable firefighters to respond to emergencies safely and effectively,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsch.

In addition, many fire departments rely on donations received through fundraising activities such as pancake breakfasts. Nutella hopes to honor and celebrate all that firefighters do by providing them the materials and tasty products they need to hold a fundraising pancake breakfast. Now through March 22, consumers can go to www.nutellastacksforgivingback.com and nominate their local fire departments for a chance to receive a Nutella Pancake Breakfast Kit that contains the necessary supplies and ingredients, including pancake mix, to host their next delicious fundraiser.

“Nutella is all about bringing people together, and we’re proud to use our spread for good to support frontline workers who dedicate their lives to keeping communities safe,” said Noah Szporn, senior vice president of spreads, Ferrero North America. “We look forward to celebrating pancake season in this important new way and seeing all of the firehouse nominations and Nutella pancake creations.”

To inspire participation for “Stacks for Giving Back,” Nutella has teamed up with celebrity chef, cookbook author, and television personality Alex Guarnaschelli to encourage nationwide pancake enthusiasts to support their local firehouse communities and top their fluffy stacks with the beloved hazelnut spread. To spread her love for Nutella and firefighters, Guarnaschelli developed Soufflé Pancakes with Nutella for firefighters to create at their next pancake breakfasts and for fans to recreate at home.

“Pancakes are a breakfast staple in my household and as a family, we’re always looking for new and tasty ways to up our pancake game, which is why I’m thrilled to be partnering with one of my favorite brands, Nutella, to create a new spin on pancakes and support firefighters across the country,” said Guarnaschelli. “Pancakes are better with Nutella and my new Soufflé Pancakes with Nutella recipe takes tastebuds to a whole new level. Folding an egg white into the batter gets these pancakes super fluffy then once they’re done, top them with Nutella and fresh raspberries… absolutely delicious!”

This pancake season don’t forget to share your Nutella pancake breakfast creation and spread the love for your local firehouse on X, Facebook, and Instagram by using the hashtags #NutellaPancakeBreakfast and #StacksForGivingBack.

About Nutella®
Nutella was born in 1964. The unique hazelnut spread that millions of people around the world love is made with a meticulous selection of high-quality ingredients and an exacting, artisan-inspired production. Today, the popular hazelnut spread is available in around 160 countries worldwide and has been sold for 60 years.

About Ferrero®
Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella®, Kinder®, Tic Tac®, and Ferrero Rocher®. More than 38,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life’s special moments. The Ferrero Group’s family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate.

Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,100 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger®, CRUNCH®, Keebler®, Famous Amos®, Mother’s Cookies®, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com

About the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
The NVFC is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.