NIGERIA – Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its bottling partner Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) has donated N19 million to GiveFood, an emergency food relief platform, to feed vulnerable families in its host communities especially those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The GiveFood initiative comprises a coalition of partners focused on reaching the most vulnerable people with a target of providing over one million meals to the underserved in communities.
The coalition is made up of leading federal and state government institutions; Nigeria’s largest food companies, including Coca-Cola; a vast network of supermarket outlets; and leading media, finance, and technology firms; who are all committed to this cause.
“Through this donation, we believe the platform will be able to feed over a million Nigerians impacted by the pandemic, while leveraging our robust distribution network.”
Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited – Nwamaka Onyemelukwe
In addition to the donation, the soft drink maker has pledged to continue supporting the organization in its endeavours, leveraging the vast distribution network they have built to ensure food relief reaches those in need, reports This Day Live.
“The current economic climate presents a level of hardship for many Nigerians who struggle to make a living. To help address this growing concern, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited along with its bottling partner Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) has pledged its support to the GiveFood.ng initiative.
“Through this donation, we believe the platform will be able to feed over a million Nigerians impacted by the pandemic, while leveraging our robust distribution network,” said Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe.
Speaking on this collaboration, Mr. Kola Masha, Managing Director of Babban Gona, the Lead Coalition Partner for GiveFood.ng explained, “There is an urgent need to help our neighbours at this time. The economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the strife of individuals, families, and communities across the nation.
“It is an honor to partner with Coca-Cola, an organisation with objectives that align closely with ours, to leverage our proven distribution and logistics technology expertise to make a positive lasting impact to a large population who are in desperate need of our help.”
Coca-Cola undertakes its operations focusing on its four sustainability pillars i.e. women and youth, water, waste, and wellbeing.
Over the years, the company has invested in these areas, driving major impact and development for beneficiaries and the larger community.
Recently the Coca-Cola Company through its philanthropic arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation, partnered with Nigeria-based NGO, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, to equip 5000 women with relevant vocational and business skills for economic recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The capacity building program tagged “Catalyst for Change” is undertaken across five communities in Lagos state, with 1000 of the targeted women receiving funding and support to set up their small-scale enterprises.
Focusing on the environment, the company has provided a grant to W.A.S.T.E Africa, to promote waste recycling in Nigeria.
WASTE is a non-governmental organisation whose mission is to increase awareness of waste challenges and solutions through the Cash 4 Trash initiative, which targets vulnerable women and youths.
The funding will be utilized to build solar-powered recycling hubs across Abuja and Lagos, where the residents will be encouraged to adopt the habit of recycling and turn their waste into wealth.
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