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PepsiCo and Feed the Children: A Milestone in Hunger Relief

In a significant achievement, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation, in collaboration with Feed the Children, have surpassed the delivery of 2 million meals through their Food Essentials Hub program. This initiative, launched amidst rising food insecurity rates in the U.S., aims to provide nutrition and essential resources to students and their families.

The Food Essentials Hub takes a community-centric approach, establishing connections within school systems to address not just hunger but a range of basic needs that families face. Since its inception in 2020, the program has proven invaluable, particularly as it coincided with a troubling increase in food insecurity.

The Need for Action

Food insecurity among U.S. households with children surged to 14.8% in 2020, prompting the launch of this urgent endeavor. In response, PepsiCo aimed to leverage its resources to counter this crisis effectively. Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President of Social Impact at PepsiCo, emphasized the importance of accessibility: “Time, transportation, and awareness often hinder families from accessing the food and resources they need. Through local schools, we're creating a trustworthy channel for delivering critical assistance to those who need it most.”

The Program's Reach

During the 2025-26 school year alone, the Food Essentials Hub engaged over 834 schools across 11 states and reached more than 154,900 students and 58,600 households. This innovative model goes beyond mere food distribution, encompassing household essentials, educational materials, and personal care items to alleviate the stress that families experience daily.

Among participating families, 71% reported decreased household stress, and nearly two-thirds noted that the program helped reduce the need to skip meals for their children. Furthermore, concerns surrounding food scarcity saw a dramatic decline, with families expressing greater peace of mind regarding their food security.

A Holistic Approach

Unlike traditional food assistance programs, the Feed the Children model integrates various resources into one accessible hub. This holistic approach addresses the root causes of hunger and aims to empower families by bridging the gap between food security and educational support. The results speak volumes: 85% of families indicated that accessing household items enabled them to allocate resources toward other essential expenditures while 87% of school districts reported enhancements in student confidence and attendance.

Emily Callahan, president and CEO of Feed the Children, remarked on the broader implications of their work: “Fighting school hunger transcends food alone. It’s about ensuring children arrive at school primed to learn and supporting families in creating a nurturing environment for their children to grow and thrive.”

Continued Commitment

With over three decades of collaboration, PepsiCo and Feed the Children are steadfast in their commitment to combat childhood hunger. Their partnership has evolved to create sustainable solutions aimed at not only meeting immediate needs but ensuring long-term wellness for families across the nation.

The success of the Food Essentials Hub highlights the difference that can be made when corporations collaborate with community organizations to implement effective strategies against hunger.

About Feed the Children

Feed the Children is a global movement dedicated to eradicating childhood hunger by providing necessary food and resources to children and families. Their mission is to ensure that every child is equipped to survive and thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Learn more at feedthechildren.org.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo's vast portfolio includes popular brands enjoyed by consumers worldwide. With a net revenue of nearly $94 billion, the company remains committed to sustainability through its pep+ agenda, focusing on responsible business practices enhancing the livelihoods of its communities. For more information, visit pepsico.com.