Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, in its ongoing effort to support and elevate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), announced it’s donating $250,000 in grants toward tackling food insecurity at HBCU campuses.
Five universities will receive $50,000 each, kicking off with Morgan State University and Prairie View A&M University this weekend and also including Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, and Bethune-Cookman University, the company notes. Tailored to each university's needs, the donation is designed to support each campus's unique efforts to help students struggling to balance the cost of their education and their next meal, it says.
"As a longtime supporter of HBCUs, PepsiCo has always aimed to help students thrive, both on campus and beyond. This year, our HBCU Tour continues to celebrate each universities' rich culture and recognize the wealth of talent on campus, while also addressing the barriers students can face in completing their education," said Kent Montgomery, senior vice president of industry relations and multicultural development at PepsiCo, in a statement. "Our donation to tackle food insecurity is another example of our commitment to empower students and ensure their success in every aspect of their educational journey."
Across the five campuses, the grants will go to support more than 37,500 students facing food insecurity by funding on campus food pantry supplies and groceries, meal plans for homeless students, workshops for cooking and meal prep, stipends for student staff within the pantries, and more, according to the company. In addition, PepsiCo also will supply free meals for approximately 2,000 students at select universities during their respective winter finals weeks in December, it says.
The funds will be distributed to Prairie View A&M University, Florida A&M University, Morgan State University, Jackson State University and Bethune-Cookman University during key university events throughout November, including the SWAC and Florida Classic games on Nov. 18.
The donation is part of PepsiCo's larger HBCU Tour to support HBCU students and celebrate the legacy of these universities, it notes. Driven by Pepsi Zero Sugar and Doritos SOLID BLACK, the tour correlates with the brands' ongoing initiatives to provide resources and a platform for elevating Changemakers in local communities, the company says. In addition to bringing authentic and engaging experiences to students and alumni this football season, they will also show up to support students throughout the semester with recruiting efforts including on-campus events, intimate dinners highlighting local businesses, and the opportunity to engage with PepsiCo, it adds.
