PepsiCo Ethiopia, the branch of the American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, unveiled a US$250k initiative to provide meals to vulnerable communities amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
PepsiCo partners with Mekedonia Humanitarian Association to distribute more than 410,000 meals to the most vulnerable communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ”Give Meals Give Hope initiative led locally by PepsiCo and The PepsiCo Foundation – the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, will serve more than 420,000 meals to communities most impacted by the socio-economic crisis caused by the pandemic,” the company said.
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has worsened the existing food insecurity situation in Ethiopia. In response to this unfolding global social and economic crisis, PepsiCo is committing to supporting and partnering with reputable NGOs to target communities and alleviate the impact of COVID-19. The #GiveMealsGiveHope initiative will be rolled out in partnership with Mekedonia – local NGO experts working directly with communities in need such as elderly and people with mental and physical disabilities.
PepsiCo’s Sergio Paya, General Manager Sub-Saharan Africa Beverages said, “We launched the Give Meals, Give Hope program to meet the basic needs of the most impacted segments of the Ethiopian population. As one of the leading food and beverages companies in Ethiopia and across the African continent, we believe that we have a responsibility to focus on providing essential food items to those affected by this pandemic.”
He continues “Food is at the heart of what PepsiCo does, and we believe the best way we can support communities during this difficult time is by bringing food to our communities and those who need it most.”The Mekedonia General Manager, Benyam Belete Addis explains, “It is a pleasure to partner with PepsiCo on this important meal initiative. Meals truly do bring hope and as an organization that works with the elderly and with people with special needs, we understand the impact COVID-19 has had on marginalized Ethiopians. With this generous donation we will be able to provide meals consistently for 2,000 people in need for more than 100 days.”
The CEO of MOHA Soft Drinks Industry, Mr Getachew Birbo said “The spread of the Coronavirus is a global epidemic, with a major threat to the world, Africa and Ethiopia. Currently, combating and preventing this epidemic is our biggest national focus. The life and health of citizens; All of our efforts and cooperation are vital to tackling this epidemic that threatens the survival and well-being of the country. According to this, the Moha Soft Drinks factory is doing a lot of work to support these efforts”
The #GiveMealsGiveHope relief initiative is part of a US$45M global initiative launched by PepsiCo and The PepsiCo Foundation, focused on helping people and communities most affected by this devastating virus. The company is funding vital support including protective gear for healthcare workers, testing and screening services, and is already in the process of distributing more than 50 million nutritious meals to at-risk populations by supporting Food Banks and other partners around the world.
Source: New Business Ethiopia
