PepsiCo, the PepsiCo Foundation, and the Polish Red Cross will deal with the problem of food insecurity in communities most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The PepsiCo Foundation will contribute $230,000 to the program, which will provide approximately 180,000 meals to those in need – children, senior citizens, single people, and large families.
The program is part of PepsiCo’s Food For Good global commitment to increase food security in the communities where the company operates.
PepsiCo Poland, the PepsiCo Foundation, and the Polish Red Cross have announced the launch of a partnership program on November 15. The program is an answer to the deteriorating food security situation in Poland resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. The program aims to support the populations most affected by the pandemic by ensuring that nutritious meals are available. Under the program, approximately 180,000 meals will be delivered to over 2,500 people in the provinces of Mazowieckie, Małopolskie, and Lubelskie.
As of 2020, food insecurity is one of the most serious consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating the problems faced by people with low income. In Poland, the “economic lockdown” led to inflation of 6.8% – one of the highest in Europe. The impact of rising food prices has put additional pressure on food security among those in need.
The Polish Red Cross, represented in the program by its Mazovia Branch, was chosen as PepsiCo’s partner because of its public trust, extensive network of branches, and logistical preparation to undertake activities in the Mazovia, Malopolska, and Lublin provinces.
The inaugurated program is another joint effort of PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation to support local communities during the peak infections of the ongoing pandemic and in the face of the difficulties that its economic impact brings. Since 2020, PepsiCo has already donated more than $200,000 in Poland to provide hot meals to vulnerable groups, such as medical professionals working with covid patients.