Overview

At Texas-based client sites, Guckenheimer collaborated with Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit organization focused on bee conservation as well as assisting veterans and first responders as they transition to civilian life. Individuals learn apiary skills, how to operate hives, and how to cultivate honey. 

At these client locations, honey from the on-site apiaries is used in Guckenheimer recipes and is available for purchase. Through the program, employees also have access to cooking classes, recipes, and educational opportunities about beekeeping and apiary management.

The program is built around conservation and the critical role of pollinators in our ecosystem. Beekeepers are trained not only to understand apiary development, but also the impact of pollinators on our food system and environment. Hives for Heroes has over 70,000 beehives in their network.

Alignment with the EAT-Lancet Commission 

Our partnership with Hives for Heroes highlights how ecological sustainability, community well-being, and food system education can intersect, aligning with several aspects of the Commission’s framework, including an emphasis on protecting and restoring biodiversity, reorienting food systems toward regeneration and sustainability, supporting diverse livelihoods, and fostering equity, public education, and cultural change around our food systems.

We’ve seen increased hiring and training of veterans as we operate 14 hives at present. Honey provides an additional revenue source. Our point-of-sale systems support donations to Hives for Heroes on top of honey purchases. Clients can also engage with educational opportunities on conservation and participate in honey bottling.