Nestlé has announced it is partnering with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Cross Societies (IFRC) as part of its global response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Initially, Nestle and IFRC will work together in four ways to provide urgent help for emergency services and caregivers and strengthen healthcare systems.
1. They will donate food, medical nutrition products and bottled water to bring relief to those most affected by the pandemic.
2. They will deploy available logistics capacities from its out-of-home business to support the needs of the IFRC in various countries.
3. Nestle will donate CHF 10 million for immediate deployment in countries where it is most needed.
4. Nestlé will match 1:1 any donations to the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies or Federation made by its employees.
Mark Schneider, CEO of Nestlé, said: “Now is the time to demonstrate the values of the Nestlé family. I am deeply impressed and humbled by what our team has accomplished in order to support individuals and communities affected by this crisis.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a global problem and consequently we are offering help on the ground everywhere, drawing on our extensive presence and experience in 187 countries. In addition, we give our full support to those who are fighting tirelessly against the spread of the virus, every day. This is where our trusted and longstanding partnership with the IFRC comes in.
“We applaud the relentless efforts of the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and admire their determination to make a difference on the ground.”