Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Serve First?
Univera Serve First™ is a public charity dedicated to eradicating hunger among America's most at-risk group -- its children, as well as addressing the nutritional needs of those at risk throughout the world, in association with charitable groups such as Vitamin Angels.

Univera Serve First began as the charitable arm of Univera, Inc., a nutritional supplements company. We are dedicated to channeling the talents we’ve honed in the business world toward reducing hunger among and improving the quality of life for the most vulnerable in America and around the world. We strive to demonstrate that healthful living begins at a young age. Good health begins with good nutrition, and Univera Serve First will be there to “bring the best of nature to humankind.”

How is Serve First different from Serve Always?
Univera Serve First™ encompasses the collection and distribution of financial contributions made by Univera Customers, Associates, Corporate staff, and the public at large. Serve Always represents the volunteerism/public service branch of the “Servant Leadership” ideal, promoting active participation in giving back time and resources to local communities, as well as those most in need.

How do I make a donation to Serve First?
You can make one-time donations of $5, $10, or $25 through the Univera shopping cart. Univera Associates often select a donation amount and add it to their convenience plan orders – ensuring that they are making monthly contributions.

To make a one-time or additional value donation, please contact Univera Customer Care at (877) 627-4787.

Or mail your tax-deductible contribution to:

Univera Serve First
2660 Willamette Dr. NE
Lacey, WA 98516

Do you have 501(c)(3) government nonprofit status?
Yes. Donations made by U.S. residents are tax-deductible.

How do I know the donations collected actually go toward purchasing nutrition or other direct funding for the needy, and not heavily used to meet administrative and overhead costs?
Univera Serve First™ makes contributions directly to relief organizations or victims of natural disasters such as Hurricane Ike.

The charity also partners with non-profit Vitamin Angels to ensure that your donations are handled in a responsible way. Vitamin Angels is a 2-time recipient of a 4-star rating (the highest rating available) from Charity Navigator for fiscal responsibility and generally ensures that more than 95% of donated funds go toward intended programs. So, you can certainly feel good that the gross majority of financial donations are going to reaching children in the field. Learn more.

According to Charity Navigator: “Only 19% of the charities we rate have received at least 2 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Vitamin Angels consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Vitamin Angels from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”