GLOBAL – Kraft Heinz, the multinational food company co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh and Danish brewing giant, Carlsberg have joined the global efforts geared towards addressing the very real implications of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The companies have separately committed to mobilizing a total of US$25.8 million to support communities impacted by COVID-19 outbreak in various economies across the world.
Carlsberg, through the Carlsberg Foundation, the New Carlsberg Foundation and the Tuborg Foundation is planning to donate DKK95 million (US$13.8m) to help mitigate the challenges associated with the global COVID-19 epidemic
The three foundations in the Carlsberg family are targeting extraordinary grants that can mobilize and support researchers, art museums and civil society in the scientific, economic and human efforts.
The Carlsberg Foundation, which fosters and supports ground-breaking research for an enlighted future, will grant DKK60 million (US$8.7m) to three internationally relevant Corona virus projects.
The New Carlsberg Foundation, which supports the arts, announced that it will donate DKK30 million (US$4.35m) to restart crisis-affected art museums that have been temporarily closed on instructions from the authorities in connection with COVID-19.
The New Carlsberg Foundation said that the funding to art museums will be used for the implementation of programs that will draw guests back to museums when they reopen.
The Tuborg Foundation, which supports young people’s commitment to a sustainable future, will donate DKK5 million (US$0.73m) to an emergency pool for civil society youth organizations to launch activities targeted at people who are particularly affected by COVID-19.
The Foundation said that it will also monitor the need for assistance in those parts of the business sector that are severely affected by the current situation, for example music venues which the Tuborg Foundation has a tradition of supporting.
Chairman of the Carlsberg Foundation, Professor Flemming Besenbacher, commented:
“COVID-19 is developing exponentially right now, so we are pleased that we have quickly been able to mobilize a collaboration between a number of the world’s leading researchers to contribute to solving the enormous challenges we face.”
In a separate statement, Kraft Heinz announced a commitment to donate US$12 million globally to ensure people across the globe have the food they need during this challenging time.
As part of this international commitment, the company has announced a donation valued at US$6.6 million to help ensure American consumers in need have the food they need.
The company revealed that it is also is working on other commitments with current community and food bank partners in other countries where it does business, including Italy, Spain, Australia and the Netherlands.
The company is also giving US$1.9 million in cash to Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger relief organization in the United States.
Kraft Heinz also is donating US$4.7 million in products, including Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Heinz Gravy, Planters Nut Mixes, Decour frozen meals, and a number of other items, which will be provided to Feeding America member food banks.
This US$12 million contribution builds upon previous Coronavirus-related donations Kraft Heinz has made in China, one of the countries most impacted by the pandemic and where the company has operations.
In the UK, Heinz is partnering with Magic Breakfast, a charity that provides healthy school breakfasts to hungry and malnourished children in disadvantaged areas of the UK, to secure 12 million free breakfasts for school children who need them the most.
In Canada, the company will be making a series of donations to Food Banks Canada.
“This donation is an immediate and impactful way we can help our neighbors in need around the world and help fill this critical gap,” said Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio.
