Panera Cares

Panera Cares was a nonprofit initiative by Panera Bread where customers could pay what they could afford for food, promoting community support and access. The concept allowed individuals with financial difficulties to enjoy meals without strict pricing, relying instead on voluntary donations. The goal was to foster a sense of shared responsibility and reduce food insecurity. However, due to financial sustainability challenges, Panera Cares locations eventually closed, but they inspired broader conversations about innovative food assistance and community engagement.