Dierbergs Markets is spotlighting Max Mix Gourmet Spice Blends throughout October, with the grocer and the brand each donating $1 for every jar sold to the Gateway Down Syndrome Association. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Max Mix was founded by Max Crawford, a young entrepreneur with Down syndrome who grew up around competition barbecue with his dad and uncle. What began as homemade spice blends given as Christmas gifts to teachers, paraprofessionals, family and friends grew into requests for refills and, eventually, a business. Crawford launched the company in fall 2023 with funding from his high school graduation gifts and support from his parents and sister Maggy.
“I love making spices that people really enjoy on their food,” said Crawford. “It makes me proud to know I’m running my own business and showing what I can do.”
The company’s mission extends beyond Crawford’s own path toward long-term independence: providing employment and job training for others with special abilities, and raising awareness of the lack of meaningful, respectful employment opportunities in the special needs community.
Broader mission
“We love supporting entrepreneurs like Max who are building something meaningful in our community,” said Laura Dierberg Padousis, EVP at Dierbergs Markets. “His mission to create employment opportunities for others with special abilities is one we’re proud to help advance, one jar at a time.”
The Max Mix lineup at Dierbergs includes Mad Dog Magic BBQ, Pork Mix, Steak Mix and Chicken & Fish Mix. All four blends are gluten-free, kosher and contain no MSG, and three of the four are sugar-free. The Gateway Down Syndrome Association serves, supports and celebrates people with Down syndrome and their families at every stage of life.
Founded in 1854, family-owned Dierbergs serves the greater St. Louis region with 29 locations in Missouri and Illinois, along with delivery through its online store.
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