On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with the late William F. “Bill” Williams, former president and co-founder of Glory Foods, Inc.
In 1992, Glory Foods officially launched its line of pre-seasoned canned vegetables with Columbus, Ohio as its test market. Their initial product line of 17 items focused on greens, peas and beans. During the past twenty-two years, Glory has been able to expand its line to offer 85 products, including seasoned canned greens, bagged fresh greens and other vegetables, low sodium products, hot sauces, seasoned cooking bases, and corn bread and muffins. Glory Foods is now available at grocery stores nationwide.
The company is also in the business of giving back to the community. Before his death in 2001, Williams worked tirelessly on his personal mission to attract young African Americans to the culinary arts and the hospitality field. Glory Foods has established scholarships in this regard in the name of the late Bill Williams, Sr. and continues to support other programs for minority students. Additionally, the company donates thousands of its products to food banks in need each year. In 2010, Glory donated product to support relief efforts following hurricane damage in Haiti.
Throughout their history, the company has held true to its goal of becoming a leading supplier of authentically soulful, Southern-style products. They will continue to celebrate soul food and help families pass down food traditions that enrich their lives. As Williams was known to say, “Glory Foods is our way of inviting America back to the dinner table.”
On December 27, 2001, Williams died following complications from a heart attack in Columbus, OH. He was 57 years old.
