Nestlé and The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), a nonprofit dedicated to addressing hunger relief and environmental sustainability, have solidified their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to bolster their joint efforts in combating food insecurity and promoting sustainable practices.
Nina Kruchten, Nestlé’s Head of Corporate Giving and Community Engagement, emphasized their approach to tackling food insecurity, which includes facilitating access to food through various means such as product donations and shared meal initiatives. Nestlé has been actively supporting local food banks within the GFN network, contributing an average of 5.2 million kilos of product donations annually. With this new global partnership, both organizations aim to further amplify their collaboration towards the common objective of reducing hunger in communities worldwide.
Ignacio Gavilán, Senior Director of Food Systems Partnerships at The Global FoodBanking Network, highlighted the pivotal role of food banks in addressing hunger relief at the grassroots level while simultaneously combating food loss and waste throughout the supply chain. He expressed pride in partnering with Nestlé, a significant donor to food banks within the GFN network, to continue their vital work in nourishing communities.
This partnership aligns with Nestlé’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to food across the regions it serves. In 2023 alone, Nestlé’s global product donations amounted to CHF 135.4 million. Examples of initiatives include partnering with Foodbank Australia and New Zealand to distribute specially formulated recipe bases to vulnerable individuals, supporting communities in Malaysia through collaborations with The Lost Food Project and Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia, and providing essential products to communities in Egypt through the Egyptian Food Bank, coupled with employee volunteering efforts.
In response to specific crises, such as the flooding in Thessalia, Greece, and Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico, Nestlé promptly delivered essential products and provided financial support to relief efforts. Furthermore, Nestlé remains deeply committed to supporting its local community in Canton de Vaud, Switzerland, through consistent product donations and volunteer initiatives in partnership with CA-RL.
The MOU aims to reinforce collaboration between Nestlé entities and GFN food bank members worldwide, thereby expanding relationships and enhancing the quality of Nestlé’s support to food banks. Nestlé and GFN reaffirm their dedication to working together globally to ensure that food reaches those in need, underscoring their shared commitment to addressing hunger and promoting sustainability.
