By Brian Hernandez
Move over, Justice League, there’s a new team of heroes saving the day—armed not with x-ray vision and gadgets, but with dough, sauce and a generous spirit. On February 9, 2025, the U.S. Pizza Team (USPT) will once again take part in Pizza Across America, a heartwarming initiative led by Slice Out Hunger (brainchild of the legendary Scott Wiener of Scott’s Pizza Tours in New York City). Together, they aim to bring pizza, smiles and a little hope to people in need nationwide for National Pizza Day.
The goal is as ambitious as it is simple—pizza makers in all 50 states will deliver at least 10 pizzas to their local food charities, hunger relief centers and/or shelters. That’s right: America’s favorite food for America’s communities in need. It’s a mission that’s equal parts heart and cheese, and if there’s one thing pizza makers love, it’s helping out andshowing off their cheesy masterpieces.
For the USPT, giving back is a way of life. The team has stepped up during disasters in the past, bringing hot meals and warm hearts for first responders and displaced residents, as they did recently in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene (see link below).
Related: U.S. Pizza Team event brings ‘normalcy’ to N.C. community wrecked by Hurricane Helene
“Pizza Across America is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Sean Dempsey, owner of Danger Von Dempsey’s Pizza & Brewhäus in Aberdeen, South Dakota. “For the past four years, Jayme and I have been donating pizzas to the Beacon Center in Watertown, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It’s such a meaningful cause for us. There’s just something special about surprising a room full of people with some damn delicious pizza. All four of our locations participate, and we hope to help this initiative grow even more.”
Dempsey isn’t alone in his enthusiasm. Last year, nearly the entire USPT squad rallied to spread the love. From the snowy plains of South Dakota to the sunny beaches of Oceanside, California, team members delivered stacks of piping-hot pies to food banks, shelters and community centers.
Giving back isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for business too. (Not that we’re doing it for the business, but hey, let’s not pretend we’re allergic to silver linings.) When your pizzeria shows up for your community, your community shows up for your pizzeria. It’s that simple.
By participating in initiatives like Pizza Across America, you’re not just feeding people—you’re feeding relationships. You’re making your brand synonymous with generosity, compassion, and a commitment to making life a little better for the folks around you. That kind of reputation? It’s priceless.
As USPT director, I couldn’t be prouder of my team. Watching these pizza artisans go beyond the kitchen to make a real difference—it’s like seeing your kids graduate, but with more mozzarella and fewer student loans. Whether it’s Sean Dempsey running pizzas to the Beacon Center or Tore Trupiano of Dominic’s Italian Restaurant feeding families in need on the West Coast, these folks remind me why I love this industry.
So, are you ready to step up? Whether you’re a USPT member or just a pizza pro with a big heart, this is your chance to make a difference. Visit www.sliceouthunger.org/paa to learn more about Pizza Across America or to register your pizzeria.
And, hey, if you want to get in on the U.S. Pizza Team’s pizza shenanigans, check us out at www.uspizzateam.com. We’re always looking for more passionate pizza people to join our cheesy crusade.
Remember, pizza isn’t just food—it’s love, community and a little slice of joy. Let’s share that joy on National Pizza Day and beyond.
