nternational Volunteer Day, celebrated on December 5, is a global recognition of the transformative power of giving back. It’s a day to honor the spirit of volunteerism and its ability to create positive change. In that spirit, we’re reflecting on the meaningful impact made during our World Food Day volunteering activities this year. Each October, World Food Day offers us an opportunity to take collective action against hunger and food insecurity, engaging our employees worldwide in efforts to support local communities and advance our Better Days™ Promise to promote sustainable and equitable access to food.
From the United States to South Africa, and from Mexico to Poland, hundreds of our employees mobilized to address hunger and food security challenges. Whether packing meals at food banks, planting community gardens, or collaborating with retail partners on innovative initiatives, our teams contributed over 2,500 volunteer hours globally to fight hunger and foster #BetterDays.
North America: Community Support Through Action
In North America, employees across the United States and Canada stepped up to make a tangible impact. Over 150 employees volunteered for various causes and organizations.
- In the United States, nearly 70 employees from Chicago and Battle Creek dedicated their time to local food banks and initiatives like Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meals for Military program. Their efforts helped ensure families of military personnel received nutritious meals during the holiday season. Additionally, during a professional development event in partnership with The Diversity Org, our employees mentored under-resourced high school students, equipping them with essential skills for corporate careers.
- In Canada, our team joined forces with Eden Food for Change, a food bank and community kitchen in Mississauga, Ontario. Together, they baked nearly 300 pies, equivalent to an astounding 600 pounds of food, contributing directly to their mission of alleviating hunger.
Africa, Middle East, and Asia: Tackling Malnutrition and Hunger
Across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, our employees logged a remarkable 1,200 volunteer hours. Their efforts spanned a variety of impactful initiatives:
- In India, our team partnered with The Breakfast Revolution, a non-profit focused on combating child malnutrition. Together, they worked to deliver nutritious meals to underserved children, ensuring better health and educational outcomes.
- In South Korea, Egypt, Australia, and New Zealand, employees helped pack and cook meals to support food banks and other community organizations. Their hands-on involvement provided immediate relief to food-insecure families.
- In South Africa, employees took generosity to new heights, donating over one million meals to communities in need—an incredible demonstration of solidarity and commitment.
Latin America: Building Partnerships for Change
Our Latin American teams made a profound impact through collaborative and hands-on initiatives, volunteering more than 1,000 hours across Mexico, Brazil, and Guatemala.
- In Mexico, our employees strengthened their partnerships with local retailers to create meaningful change. Collaborating with Oxxo, the largest convenience store chain in the country, they distributed a special edition product to over 26,000 retail locations. This initiative helped generate awareness and support for food security.
- In Brazil, partnerships with Shopee and supermarket chain Rede CONFIANÇA enabled the donation of over 4 million portions of food. At the same time, employees rolled up their sleeves to refurbish community spaces and revitalize vegetable gardens, empowering local families to grow their own food.
Europe: Supporting Local Causes with Heart
In Europe, our team at the Pringles plant in Kutno, Poland, showcased their dedication to local communities. Employees organized a food collection drive for a local children’s charity, donating 528 kilograms of food. This contribution translated into 16,000 portions of food for children in need, a testament to the power of collective effort.
A Global Commitment to #BetterDays
Our World Food Day volunteering initiatives this year were more than just acts of service; they were a global demonstration of solidarity in the fight against hunger. The combined efforts of our employees across continents embody our Better Days™ Promise to provide equitable access to food and promote sustainability in our communities.
By dedicating over 2,500 volunteer hours, packing meals, mentoring youth, building gardens, and collaborating with retail partners, we made significant strides toward alleviating hunger and ensuring that more people around the world can enjoy the simple yet profound joy of a nutritious meal.
This International Volunteer Day, we celebrate not just what we’ve accomplished, but the inspiring power of volunteerism to create a better world. Together, we’ll continue striving to make #BetterDays a reality for everyone.
