As regional efforts kick into high gear to provide relief from the devastating impact of COVID-19, PepsiCo and its philanthropic arm, the PepsiCo Foundation have confirmed that it is committing USD 5 million in relief efforts across the region. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, PepsiCo, The PepsiCo Foundation and its bottling network partners are focused on providing financial assistance, medical equipment, supporting local health authorities’ efforts and providing meals to vulnerable communities across the region.

Globally, PepsiCo has committed more than USD 45 million to combat the impact of COVID-19, by providing vital local humanitarian support and is working with partners to distribute more than 50 million nutritious meals worldwide.  In addition to its support for the Middle East, PepsiCo has rolled out programs in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australasia to provide food, water, healthcare supplies and other critical support to communities affected by COVID-19. 

PepsiCo and its partners are supporting food banks in Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to distribute 10 million nutritious meals and food supply boxes to labor camps, quarantined communities, vulnerable families and at-risk groups over the next few weeks. This effort is part of the PepsiCo goal to #GiveMealsGiveHope by delivering more than 50 million meals globally as well as providing other essential resources needed to combat COVID-19.

Additionally, personal protection equipment and other vital health equipment to frontline responders, has been supplied to healthcare workers in Lebanon, expanding the capacity of health and relief systems, via donations to the Lebanese Red Cross and the Rafik Hariri Hospital.

In the KSA, PepsiCo’s contribution is focused on providing emergency meals to families, supporting small businesses affected by COVID-19 through government initiatives and distributing essential products to frontline workers including sterilization materials, surgical masks, and food packs.

Funds have been allocated to supporting an online education program with the authorities in Iraq, and contributing to a food drive initiative that will provide meals for over 10,000 families.

PepsiCo will announce additional programs over the coming days and weeks to meet hyper-local needs as COVID-19 continues to spread and community needs expand.Additionally, for the month of April, The PepsiCo Foundation is offering a two-to-one matching program for all employee charitable contributions to select nonprofits providing COVID-19 relief globally, contributing up to USD 2 million in support to nonprofits chosen by employees.

“During these times we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our people, customers and consumers as well as remaining committed to providing food supplies across the region. The importance of supporting relief efforts is paramount to us, as the Middle East is not just somewhere we operate, it is our home. We’ve been present here for over 60 years through our communities, employees, bottlers and local government partners. Leading with purpose is part of our DNA and we will continue to make a positive impact where we operate. We are grateful for the role we can play in supporting those who need it most in these extraordinary circumstances.” said Aamer Sheikh, president and GM at PepsiCo Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. “The generosity of our bottling partners and cooperation of local governments has meant that our collective contributions can make a meaningful impact in the lives of many people, including the courageous healthcare professionals that are inspiring us all.”