Sharing the Dougn in Local Communities through the Operation Dough-Nation Program

Operation Dough-Nation was developed in 1992 to formalize the company’s commitment to community involvement. Since then, the program has grown to include four major activities: Community Breadbox cash collection, Day-End donations, Dough for Funds fundraising and participation in local community events.

The Community Breadbox program ensures donations made at Panera Bread give back to the communities we serve. Every year, cash donations made by our customers in our bakery-cafes are matched 100% and distributed to our local community partners. In addition to monetary contributions, our community partners are provided product and gift certificates for certain special events, programs and services throughout the year.

Through the Day-End Dough-Nation program, unsold bakery products are packaged at the end of each day and donated to local people in need including senior citizens, children’s organizations and various community outreach organizations.

Our Dough For Funds program gives non-profit groups the opportunity to raise money for specific needs. Coupon strips are sold to non-profits for $5.50, and volunteers resell the strips for $11.00. This program allows non-profits to generate a high return, and allows us to demonstrate our commitment to the communities we serve.

And last but not least, we take part in numerous community events throughout the year. We value corporate citizenship and regularly make in-kind donations to silent auctions, runs and walks, trivia nights and raffles.

For more information, please read through the “In Our Communities” pages, or email Amy Monteer, Neighborhood Marketing Coordinator at amym@usmo.com

Learn More

To learn more about the contributions Panera Bread makes in communities throughout the country through its Operation Dough-Nation®, and Panera Foundation programs, visit Panerabread.com.