SEATTLE, June 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MOD Pizza, a purpose-led fast casual pizza brand, is introducing its first “Impact Pizza” in all 350+ stores across the US. The Isaac pizza will launch on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 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 $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,” said 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,” said 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.”
Added 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,” said 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.”
If you or anyone you know needs to talk, text “HELLO” to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Learn more about mental health issues and what to do if you’re worried about yourself or a friend at jedfoundation.org/help.
During this time period, all MOD stores will have crisis outreach cards available, as well as information on how to connect to JED and their many resources.
The Isaac Pizza features an olive oil base, topped with garlic, ricotta cheese, sliced red onion, roasted red tomatoes, finished with a swirl of Balsamic vinaigrette and topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
ABOUT MOD PIZZA:
MOD Pizza is a pioneer of the fast-casual pizza segment, founded in Seattle in 2008 by entrepreneur husband and wife team Scott and Ally Svenson. MOD’s individual artisan-style pizzas are made on demand, allowing customers to create their own pizzas and salads, using fresh-pressed dough, signature sauces and over 30 toppings, all for one incredible price. With more than 350 locations system-wide* across 28 states and the United Kingdom, MOD is committed to creating not only a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. The company was recently named America’s fastest growing chain restaurant by Technomic, was recognized as the number one mid-sized restaurant chain in the US in the October 2017 Fishbowl Buzz Brands Report, and named the most loved pizza brand by Foodable Network in its May 2017 Most Loved Brands Report. MOD also earned a spot on the Inc.500 list, and was recognized by Fortune as one of the “20 Best Workplaces in Retail,” a “Best Workplace for Women,” a “Best Workplace for Millennials,” and a “Best Workplace for Diversity.” For more information, please visit www.modpizza.com or connect with the brand via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
*The term “system-wide” refers to all company-operated and licensed store locations.
ABOUT JED:
JED is a nonprofit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. JED equips teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other; partners with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention programs and systems; and encourage community awareness, understanding and action for young adult mental health.
Learn more at jedfoundation.org. Check out our programs including: JED Campus (jedcampus.org), Set to Go (settogo.org), ULifeline (ulifeline.org), Half of Us (halfofus.com) and Love is Louder (loveislouder.com).
Connect with JED: Email | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
A video accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e089ca2-7a36-4ef5-a683-3024343d3e92