Building More Than Business, Chobani Donates $500,000 to Local Communities

Donation fortifies the company's commitment to enrich the lives of the local community

NEW BERLIN, N.Y., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chobani is proud to continue to invest in its hometown communities, gifting $250,000 each to infrastructure projects in Central New York and Idaho's Magic Valley to create vibrant community spaces that foster connection, inclusivity, and growth. As a company that uses business as a force for good, Chobani created the Chobani Legacy Project Fund in 2022 based on the understanding that great communities aren't built overnight – they are nurtured and strengthened by people coming together. Each year, Chobani employees nominate and choose local infrastructure projects that make a lasting difference in the local community. 

Central New York: A Kitchen That Nourishes More Than Meals
In rural New York, small farms, food banks, and pantries work side by side to fight hunger—but often lack the facilities to make the biggest impact. Chobani's gift will support Unadilla Community Farm's buildout of a solar-powered commercial kitchen and classroom space in West Edmeston, NY. The multifunctional kitchen, which will turn fresh harvests into nutritious meals for those in need, will also double as a teaching space for the Unadilla Community Farm's Beginning Farmer Training Program. Food made on-site will be donated to regional food pantries and community clinics through the Unadilla Community Farm Food Access and Herbal Aid Programs. Once complete, the space will also be open to community members for public rental, encouraging community gathering.  

"We're thrilled to support the commercial kitchen at Unadilla Community Farm as this year's Legacy Project. The Legacy Projects gives our employees a chance to spotlight the causes they care about most, offering a sense of pride and connection to the community," said Nate Gundlach, Senior Vice President of Operations at Chobani's plant in South Edmeston, NY. "This investment isn't just about food, it's about building skills, creating jobs, and bringing people together in a space where learning and generosity go hand in hand." 

The Magic Valley: A Playground Where Every Child Belongs
For many children, playgrounds are where friendships are formed, imaginations run wild, and confidence is built. But for kids with disabilities, finding a place where they can truly play alongside their peers is rare. In the Magic Valley, Chobani's gift will support the construction of a new inclusive playground at Harrison Elementary School in Twin Falls. The specially designed playground will be for children of all ages, abilities, and developmental stages to play alongside one another and form lasting bonds. The park will also serve as a community gathering space for families throughout the neighborhood to enjoy. 

"It is incredibly rewarding to see our plant employees actively participating in the voting process for these projects – they are not just choosing a project to support but determining Chobani's legacy in the community, and that's so powerful," said Doug Young, Senior Vice President of Operations at Chobani's Twin Falls plant. "At Chobani, giving back isn't a top-down decision, it's driven by the people who make our yogurt everyday. Their personal involvement fosters a deep sense of community and belonging making everyone feel connected and valued."  

About Chobani 
Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

SOURCE Chobani, LLC