In the heart of a harsh Alaskan winter, with snow piling high on the roads and the community grappling with the relentless force of nature, an unlikely hero has emerged: Domino’s Pizza.
The behemoth pizza chain, known for its hot pies and swift delivery, has taken a novel approach to ensuring that not just its pizzas but also the people of Anchorage, Alaska, can easily navigate the snowy streets.
This initiative, dubbed “Plowing for Pizza,” sees Domino’s granting $25,000 to the Municipality of Anchorage to aid in its snowplowing efforts, a move that has sparked interest and appreciation far beyond the realms of pizza delivery.
Anchorage, facing one of its most challenging winters in decades, found its snowplow season troubled by record snowfalls exceeding 104 inches by the end of January. The city’s efforts to keep roads clear were overwhelmed, leading to dangerous conditions, school closures, and significant vehicular damage.
Amid this snowy chaos, Domino’s Plowing for Pizza program offered a glimmer of hope. This initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to aiding communities in maintaining essential infrastructure during severe weather conditions, building on the success of their earlier “Paving for Pizza” campaign aimed at fixing potholes for smoother pizza delivery.
The program allows individuals across the country to nominate their town for a grant through a simple online submission, considering factors such as the volume of nominations, the interest of city officials, and the proximity of a Domino’s outlet. Anchorage’s selection among the top five most nominated cities emphasized the community’s urgent need for additional resources to combat the snow.
Domino’s president of U.S. and global services, Joe Jordan, encapsulated the sentiment behind the initiative, telling Anchorage Daily News, “Yes — you heard it right: a pizza company is actually helping to plow roads.” This unconventional approach to corporate social responsibility reflects a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities in winter and a willingness to step in where help is needed most.
The grant, though modest in comparison to Anchorage’s multimillion-dollar budget, has been a welcome addition to the city’s resources. The funds are earmarked specifically for snow removal efforts, ensuring that they contribute directly to alleviating the winter burden on Anchorage’s residents and roads.
The city also received a “winter-themed Domino’s Plowing for Pizza kit,” complete with winter hats, scarves, a snow measuring stick and sign, and vehicle magnets, not to mention $200 in gift cards for plow drivers. This package not only aids in the practical aspects of snow removal but also adds a touch of warmth and appreciation for those who work tirelessly to keep the city moving.
As Domino’s continues to roll out its Plowing for Pizza grants to more cities across the nation, the program serves as a reminder of the impact corporate entities can have on public welfare and community resilience. For Anchorage, the grant is a small but significant aid in the ongoing battle against one of the harshest winters in memory.
Sometimes, support comes from the most unexpected places; in this case, it arrived atop the warm, comforting foundation of a pizza box.
