PepsiCo teams up with BRAC to provide 1.4m meals in Bangladesh

The global food and beverage company PepsiCo’s philanthropic arm PepsiCo Foundation has partnered with BRAC to provide over 1.4 million meals to low-income and ultra-poor families who are affected by coronavirus pandemic across Bangladesh.

This initiative is part of PepsiCo’s #GiveMealsGiveHope global programme, says a press release.

PepsiCo globally has announced its commitment to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The major focus of this effort includes providing 50 million meals across countries through various partnerships.

As part of the partnership in Bangladesh, BRAC, will be the on-ground implementation partner to provide dry rations to the low income and ultra-poor families in close collaboration with the local administration including law enforcement authorities, says the press release.

PepsiCo Bangladesh’s country manager Debasish Deb said, “Bangladesh, like the rest of the world, is facing it’s biggest healthcare challenge. In response to the same, we are partnering with BRAC to provide meals, a critical requirement, to the communities most impacted by COVID-19 outbreak. We are committed to give our full support to the Bangladesh government in its fight against the pandemic and will continue to do our best to serve the nation in these challenging times.”

BRAC’s executive director Asif Saleh said, "Millions of daily wage earners and the ultra-poor have been hit hard by the economic aftermath of the pandemic. A recent survey by BRAC reveals 14 per cent low-income families do not have food at home. The generous meals support from PepsiCo Bangladesh is a timely and fitting solution for emergency food sustenance."

He said the world’s largest NGO BRAC has already initiated a cash assistance programme supporting 300,000 families to buy essential food supplies.

“The need, however, is far greater. PepsiCo’s support will help us to reach more vulnerable people at this critical time. BRAC will continue to prioritise the most vulnerable - the elderly, pregnant or lactating mothers, people with disabilities, women-headed households, people living in ultra-poverty and those who are not receiving support from any other sources,” he added.