Mars Food announces a $3.1 million donation of the companys former brand, Uncle Bens®, products nationwide as the brand moves through its rebranding to Bens Original. The donation supports the brands commitment to creating opportunities to offer everyone a seat at the table by providing access to nutritious meals to people in underserved communities.
Long-standing national partners Feeding America® and CARE will distribute the Mars products to communities across the U.S. Mars Food will strengthen efforts in communities where the company operates with significant donations to Hearty Helpings Food Pantry in Greenville, Mississippi; Mississippi Food Network; the Community Foundation of Washington County, which provides access to healthy foods in Mississippi Delta; Greater Chicago Food Depository; Northern Illinois Food Bank; and Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
In September 2020, as part of its efforts to create a better world tomorrow through better food today, Mars Food committed to enhance inclusion and equity with its Seat at the Table Fund Scholarship in partnership with UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and the National Urban League to support Black students interested in food industry careers. Additionally, its community outreach programs will ensure underserved communities have access to the nutritious meals we all deserve, including in Greenville, Mississippi where Bens Original has been produced for more than 40 years. The company is investing $2.5 million over the next five years to improve access to healthy foods and education in Greenville, and earlier today, it announced actions it will take in partnership with MolinaCares and Kroger Delta Division to further bolster food access efforts and investments of Mississippi Delta local and state food access and education programs.
Our product donation marks another step in the Bens Original brand evolution as our team delivers on our commitment to offer everyone a seat at the table by providing access to nutritious meals that we all deserve, said Denis Yarotskiy, regional president, Mars Food North America. We are so thankful for our food pantry and food bank partners who will distribute our rice products to those most in need nationwide and in communities where Mars operates.
These steps are in addition to Mars, Incorporateds commitments to continue improving racial equity throughout its business from increased representation in its workforce, leadership and talent pipeline, to better utilizing its spend, specifically among its suppliers, to drive positive change.
About Mars Food
Mars Food is a fast-growing dinnertime food business, making tastier, healthier, easier meals that bring the world to the dinner table. With North American headquarters in Chicago, Ill. and global headquarters in London, Mars Food USs portfolio of leading brands includes Bens Original, Seeds of Change, and Tasty Bite®. Our purpose Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow. drives our business to be a leader in health & wellbeing and sustainability. Mars Food is a segment of Mars, Incorporated. For more information about the Bens Original Brand and its purpose initiatives, visit https://www.mars.com/ or https://www.bensoriginal.com/.