Vikki Brown opened Chick-fil-A Livonia in January 2023, she brought more than just a restaurant to Metro-Detroit—she brought purpose. As a lifelong Detroit area resident and experienced franchise operator, Vikki felt deeply connected to her community. She recognized that simple acts of care, like providing a warm meal, could bring much-needed stability to families facing economic hardship.
Previously, Vikki had tried donating surplus food at her prior restaurant, only to find many charities required large-scale contributions or preferred financial donations. Then she discovered the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, which struck her as an accessible and impactful solution. It allowed her to align her desire to serve with a streamlined, reliable system for helping those in need.
Partnering with the Metro Detroit Salvation Army, Vikki’s Chick-fil-A Livonia began donating packaged surplus food—everything from proteins and sides to fruits and veggies—twice a week. In just the early months of 2024, the restaurant redirected over 7,000 pounds of food to families facing food insecurity.
The program does more than feed—it empowers. Vikki emphasizes that it’s easy to implement but carries powerful outcomes. Her Team Members take part in running the Shared Table initiative, cultivating a sense of ownership, leadership, and pride in their impact. It’s a meaningful expression of Chick-fil-A’s broader corporate mission, rooted in daily operations and community commitment.
Their collaboration extends beyond just food rescue. During Detroit’s downtown Christmas tree lighting, Chick-fil-A’s Mobile Kitchen offered Chocolate Chunk Cookies, donating all proceeds to local hunger-relief partners like the Salvation Army. Inside the restaurant, Vikki also hosted a fundraiser to support those causes. “Giving back through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program reflects what it means to be part of this community,” she said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve with intention.
https://www.chick-fil-a.ca/stories/in-the-community/the-chick-fil-a-shared-table-program
