MOD Pizza is introducing its first “Impact Pizza” in all 350-plus stores across the US. The Isaac pizza will launch on Tuesday, June 26, in partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. The Isaac pizza will shine a light on teen suicide and mental health and be available until October 1, 2018, during which time MOD will use its platform to help connect employees, customers and communities to JED. MOD will also donate at least $50,000 to support JED’s programs and initiatives.
“We are committed to using our business as a platform to make a positive difference in our communities. Sometimes, how we can help is revealed to us in unexpected ways. This has certainly been the case with Isaac – a special customer who connected deeply with his local MOD Squad in Naperville, Illinois, and sadly died by suicide last year. When Isaac’s family shared his story with us, we felt compelled to act,” says Ally Svenson, co-founder and Chief Purpose Officer of MOD.
The story of Isaac, as told by MOD co-founder Ally Svenson, in a heartfelt letter written by Jenn Pedley, Isaac’s mother, can be viewed here: https://modpizza.com/isaac/
“MOD was Isaac’s happy place. A place where he felt loved and accepted, without question. A place where, when I knew he was there, I could exhale knowing he was in a good place,” adds Jenn Pedley, Isaac’s mother. “Many places grimace when a crowd of young feisty boys come flooding into their restaurant, but not MOD. The culture of acceptance they have created is not only forging a new kind of restaurant, but an empowering environment where people can go above and beyond to make a difference. To be able to lend Isaac’s name to help educate others has been incredibly healing for our family.”
Adds Svenson, “We realize suicide is a heavy subject to tackle, but it is a critical issue within every community and one that does not discriminate. If we can use MOD stores to shine a light on this crisis and help build communities of caring, then it is simply the right thing to do. We believe this will be a powerful partnership, and one that is needed now more than ever. Together doing what we can to move from heartbreak to hope.”
“Young adulthood is a time of growth and transition that can bring on significant challenges for many,” says John MacPhee, Executive Director/CEO, JED. “We are excited to partner with MOD Pizza to spread awareness within their communities about suicide prevention, mental health and resources available for teens and young adults. MOD’s generous contribution to support JED will have a direct impact on the number of young people we are able to reach, and help us continue to expand our programs in high schools and on college campuses.”
