The Hershey Company and Stop Hunger Now again have joined forces in the fight against hunger. Following up on their record-setting event last summer, today more than 700 employees packaged 255,744 Stop Hunger Now meals for people suffering from hunger around the world. Stop Hunger Now meal packaging events are a volunteer-based program that coordinates the streamlined packaging of highly nutritious, dehydrated meals comprised of rice, soy, vegetables and 23 essential vitamins and minerals.
“We are excited to partner with Stop Hunger Now and have such an impact on the hungry around the world,” says Todd Camp, Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Relations. “Stop Hunger Now is an important part of Hershey’s global social purpose, which we call Nourishing Minds, where we draw upon the creativity, skills and passion of our employees to provide basic nutrition to help children learn and grow. We are proud to work with another organization that also focuses on sustainable impact where it’s needed most.”
This was The Hershey Company’s fourth event with Stop Hunger Now and they surpassed last year’s meal total by 15,000 meals. In total, The Hershey Company has packaged more than 470,000 meals, which helped support Stop Hunger Now partner organizations in Haiti, El Salvador, Liberia, and Burundi with much-needed nourishing meals.
Around the world, nearly 795 million people lack adequate food. Stop Hunger Now operates meal packaging locations in 19 cities throughout the U.S. and five international locations in South Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines, Italy and India. More than 650,000 volunteers from corporations, churches, schools and civic organizations have packaged Stop Hunger Now meals.
Founded in 1998, Stop Hunger Now has delivered aid and disaster relief supplies in the form of food, medical supplies, clothing, school supplies and more to thousands of disaster victims and other hungry and vulnerable people in 71 countries.
“What we want everyone to know is that hunger is solvable and is the common thread among the world’s most challenging issues. When hunger is targeted, you give leverage and hope to every other cause including poverty, disease, education and the welfare of women and children,” said Rod Brooks, President and CEO of Stop Hunger Now.
For more than 17 years, Stop Hunger Now has been creating a movement to end hunger. More than 200,000,000 meals have been packaged and distributed along with other aid to 71 countries impacting millions of lives. The organization is driven by a mission to end hunger in our lifetime by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable and by creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.
The Stop Hunger Now meal packaging program was created to give dedicated individuals the opportunity to participate in a hands-on international hunger relief program and to become educated, engaged advocates for the world’s poor and hungry. In 2014, Stop Hunger Now and its global affiliates packaged 50.6 million meals.
In its efforts to respond to emergency needs around the world Stop Hunger Now receives and distributes significant donations of in-kind aid. These donations are large quantities of food, medicines, medical supplies and other such items as may be of use in fighting hunger and providing relief in a crisis.
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY), headquartered in Hershey, PA., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has more than 22,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company, which has more than 80 brands around the world that drive over $7.4 billion in annual revenues, includes such iconic brand names as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. Hershey is focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to build its competitive advantage in North America. Additionally, Hershey is poised to expand its portfolio into categories beyond confectionery, finding new ways to bring goodness to people everywhere.
At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For 120 years, Hershey has been committed to good business by operating fairly, ethically and sustainably to make a positive impact on society This means contributing to a better life for its employees, consumers, communities, and ultimately, creating a bright future for children in need. This commitment is exemplified by Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company’s founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company. The children who attend the school receive education, housing, and medical care- thriving as direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company’s success.