Haverhill Producer Donated to Breast Cancer Research

A family-run food business has supported breast cancer research with annual funding and local health initiatives.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Healthy Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of a basket of chickpeas and pita bread, symbolizing community support and healthful food initiatives.
Cedar's Foods has contributed $50,000 annually to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation while supporting health facilities in the Merrimack Valley. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you consider a company's charitable record when deciding which food brands to purchase?

Since 2020, Haverhill-based Cedar's Foods has contributed $50,000 annually to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The company also supports local wellness by distributing hummus snack packs to Merrimack Health facilities in Haverhill, Lawrence, and Methuen.

Why it matters

These contributions were established to support company employees who are currently undergoing breast cancer treatment or are survivors of the disease. By pairing research funding with local health center outreach, the company aims to impact both national medical advancement and regional patient support.

Cedar's Foods has maintained an annual $50,000 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation since 2020. While the company produces nearly 150 million pounds of chickpea spread annually, the specific impact of these funds on clinical outcomes remains under ongoing study.

The players

Cedar's Foods

A family-run food manufacturer based in Haverhill that serves as the largest producer of chickpea spread in the United States.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

A non-profit organization dedicated to funding scientific research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer.

Merrimack Health

A healthcare provider operating facilities across Haverhill, Lawrence, and Methuen that receives direct product donations.

The details

As the largest producer of chickpea spread in the United States, the third-generation, family-run business integrates these community initiatives into its large-scale food manufacturing operations. The company utilizes its supply chain to deliver snack products directly to local health centers, providing a practical food source for patients and staff in the Merrimack Valley area.

Timeline

  1. 1970s: The business was originally launched.

  2. 2020: The annual $50,000 donation program began.

  3. October 2026: The upcoming month for breast cancer awareness and specific product labeling.

Health Landscape

This contribution sits within the broader scope of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's grant portfolio, which funds global clinical research. The effort reflects a trend of local food producers aligning operational resources with national public health research goals.

Patients and community members in the Merrimack Valley can access these health-focused snack initiatives through local Merrimack Health locations. If you have questions about nutritional support during cancer treatment, it is worth discussing options with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

The takeaway

Supporting breast cancer research remains a critical component of improving long-term survival rates and treatment options. If you are interested in community support resources or awareness initiatives, consult with your local health provider during the upcoming October awareness month.

Further reading

Learn more about nutrition and community health resources by visiting the Healthy Food section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boston Globe.

Live Poll

Do you consider a company's charitable record when deciding which food brands to purchase?