Covid-19: PepsiCo, BRAC to provide 1.4 million meals to underserved families

PepsiCo in Bangladesh along with BRAC would provide over 1.4 million meals to support low-income and ultra-poor families impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

This initiative has been taken as part of PepsiCo's #GiveMealsGiveHope global programme, a press release of BRAC reads. 

As the on-ground implementing partner, BRAC will provide dry rations to the low income and ultra-poor families in cooperation with the local administration, including law enforcement, it added. 

Debasish Deb, Country Manager PepsiCo Bangladesh, said, "We are committed to give our full support to the government in its fight against the pandemic and will continue to do our best to serve the nation in these challenging times."

"Bangladesh, like the rest of the world, is facing its 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,"he said.

Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, said the generous meals support from PepsiCo Bangladesh is a timely and fitting solution for emergency food sustenance. 

"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 percent low-income families do not have food at home."

"BRAC has already initiated a cash assistance programme supporting 300,000 families to buy essential food supplies, however the need is far greater. PepsiCo's support will help us to reach more vulnerable people at this critical time," he added.

​PepsiCo globally has announced its commitment to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The major focus of this effort includes providing 50 million meals across countries through various partnerships.