PepsiCo and WFP logistics experts focused on improving capacity and efficiency in order to maximize food aid delivery

PURCHASE, N.Y., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The PepsiCo Foundation and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world's largest humanitarian agency which fights hunger worldwide, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the ability of WFP to deliver food and relief to the most vulnerable communities around the globe.

The PepsiCo Foundation has committed $2.2 million for a program that brings together global logistics experts from PepsiCo to help strengthen WFP's response to growing hunger needs brought on by high food prices and the financial crisis, as well as improve its operating efficiency and response time in crisis situations.

"This partnership is a prime example of how the private and public sectors can come together to combat a problem that touches people all over the planet: global hunger," said Monica Marshall, WFP's Head of Global Private Partnerships. "By allowing WFP to tap into their knowledge, expertise and resources in the field of logistics, PepsiCo is helping WFP deliver the right food at the right time to the people who need it most. That means strengthening WFP as an institution -- and it means saving lives. That kind of support is priceless."

Propelled by last year's global food crisis, WFP estimates that nearly 1 billion people worldwide are going hungry today. WFP and PepsiCo logistics experts, including PepsiCo retirees who are part of the PepsiCo Foundation Service Corps, will share best practices, collaboration tools, performance dashboards and training frameworks to improve food delivery. All of the operating efficiencies gained by WFP will be re-applied to meet the needs of the disadvantaged communities WFP serves.

"Today's world calls for a new strategic philanthropy," said Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo CEO and chair of the PepsiCo Foundation. "We must think creatively about how to leverage all of our assets to support our philanthropic partners. By sharing our supply chain and technology expertise with WFP, we are enabling them to bring more relief to more people in less time. Systemic changes such as these will lead to further progress toward the Millennium Development Goals, which include improving hunger, malnutrition and health conditions in the developing world by the year 2015."

As part of the partnership, WFP operations experts have been working closely with John Phillips, vice president of customer supply chain and logistics for PepsiCo, and Jim Rich, former SVP of operations for Frito-Lay North America, who is now retired.

"Having the opportunity to not only share but also help teach the experiences and knowledge I acquired during my career at PepsiCo is a gift I am happy to use," said Rich.

About the PepsiCo Foundation

Established in 1962, PepsiCo Foundation is the philanthropic anchor of PepsiCo, responsible for providing charitable contributions to eligible non-profit organizations. The Foundation is committed to developing sustainable partnerships and programs in underserved regions that provide opportunities for improved health, environment and inclusion. In 2008 alone, PepsiCo Foundation contributed $30 million towards programs to help achieve the vision of creating a better tomorrow for the global community. For more information visit: http://www.pepsico.com/Purpose/PepsiCo-Foundation.aspx.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, with 2008 annual revenues of more than $43 billion. The company employs approximately 198,000 people worldwide, and its products are sold in approximately 200 countries. Its principal businesses include: Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

About the World Food Programme

World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency and the UN's frontline agency for hunger solutions. In 2009, WFP aims to feed 105 million people in 74 countries. Some 10,200 people work for the organization, most of them in remote areas, directly serving the hungry poor. For more information, please visit www.wfp.org.

    Contacts:

    PepsiCo
    Katie Foley
    kfoley@brunswickgroup.com
    + 1 917-257-4730

    Friends of the World Food Program
    Daniela Colaiacovo
    dcolaiacovo@friendsofwfp.org
    + 1 202-530-1060

SOURCE PepsiCo Foundation

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.pepsico.com/Purpose/PepsiCo-Foundation.aspx
http://www.pepsico.com
http://www.wfp.org