Mars Impact Fund Grants $2.07 Million to Elucid for Healthcare Access in Cocoa Farming Communities

In a bid to improve affordable healthcare access for cocoa-farming families in Côte d'Ivoire, the Mars Impact Fund has allocated a substantial grant of $2.07 million over three years to Elucid, a social enterprise dedicated to implementing health programs within agricultural supply chains. This strategic initiative is designed to benefit around 12,750 households, providing essential support for enrollment in national health insurance and assistance with co-payment expenses.

The partnership reflects the Mars Impact Fund's commitment to strengthening the resilience of agricultural communities, particularly those severely impacted by health crises. The foundational goal is to enable cocoa-farming families to better withstand health emergencies, protect their livelihoods, and enhance the overall wellbeing of their communities.

As a prominent player in the global snacking and confectionery market, Mars, Incorporated views this investment as a critical part of its corporate responsibility. Leveraging their influence in the cocoa supply chain, Mars aims to cultivate a positive impact on cocoa-producing communities by ensuring they have access to necessary health resources.

Implemented gradually from 2026 to 2029, the program titled “Better Lives, Outcomes, and Opportunities through Medical Access” (BLOOM) is focused on facilitating this access. By eliminating upfront costs and bureaucratic barriers, the initiative is set to improve healthcare quality and affordability for the targeted communities. Amos Kouassi, Elucid's national director in Côte d'Ivoire, emphasized the importance of farmers’ health for sustainable supply chains: "This partnership demonstrates a growing recognition that the health of farmers is vital for a sustainable supply. By integrating healthcare into agricultural supply chains, we can enhance the resilience of households and achieve measurable outcomes benefiting both farmer families and public health systems."

The initiative's investments are expected to bolster rural healthcare infrastructure, expanding vaccination coverage through additional funding of approximately $2 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. These funds are aimed at modernizing rural health facilities nationwide, improving access to vaccination campaigns, mobile clinics, and preventive care services for over 200,000 individuals, including 150,000 children.

Michelle Grogg, the general manager of the Mars Impact Fund, reiterated the central philosophy driving this investment: "We understand that the resilience of the cocoa supply chain is intrinsically linked to the health and wellbeing of the individuals in the communities where cocoa is produced. Through our partnership with Elucid, we aim to enhance access to quality healthcare services, allowing cocoa-producing communities to obtain essential care without facing financial hardships."

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated operates under the belief that the world we envision for tomorrow starts with how we conduct business today. As a family-owned company with a combined net revenue exceeding $65 billion, Mars employs about 170,000 associates. Its extensive portfolio encompasses leading brands in pet care and food sectors, catering to the needs of both pets and consumers globally. Popular brands like ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, and SNICKERS® are a part of Mars' offerings, making positive impacts on millions of lives daily.

About the Mars Impact Fund

The Mars Impact Fund represents the philanthropic arm of Mars, Incorporated, focused on creating sustainable change within communities where Mars operates. Established in February 2026, it pursues significant, enduring impacts across three priorities: enhancing community resilience, developing a diverse talent pool in science, and improving pet wellbeing. For more information on ongoing grant partnerships and priorities, visit Mars Impact Fund.

About Elucid

Elucid is a social enterprise that integrates healthcare accessibility within global agricultural supply chains. It collaborates with businesses, cooperatives, governments, and healthcare providers to design and execute programs aimed at enhancing affordable healthcare access for farmers, workers, their families, and surrounding communities. By merging health financing with digital infrastructure, Elucid ensures that agricultural households are woven into the health system, coordinating service delivery and assessing outcomes effectively.
As Elucid operates across six countries and five agricultural sectors, its impact is marked by its dedication to building more resilient farming communities by reducing preventable illnesses and alleviating excessive healthcare expenditures, thereby fortifying responsible sourcing practices. For more information, visit Elucid.