Kraft Heinz Canada Stocks Food Banks and Equips Frontline Workers with PPE to Support Canadians During COVID-19

Kraft Heinz Project Pantry partners with Food Banks Canada to offer 1 million meals to those affected by the pandemic

TORONTO, May 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Kraft Heinz Canada is pleased to announce Kraft Heinz Project Pantry, a new initiative to support Food Banks Canada, which will donate 1 million meals and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for those working on the frontlines of Canadian food banks. Kraft Heinz Canada has a strong history of supporting healthy communities and this much-needed commitment will help continue this legacy by ensuing Canadians in need have food on their table during COVID-19.

"Kraft Heinz is proud to be a fixture in pantries across Canada, and we believe it is our responsibility to help ensure Canadians are supported with the food they need during COVID-19," said Bruno Keller, President, Kraft Heinz Canada. "We're with you, Canada, and we hope our donation will not only support families in need, but enhance the safety of frontline workers volunteering their time at their local food bank."

Kraft Heinz Project Pantry marks another chapter in Kraft Heinz's history of supporting food banks in Canada. Over the past three years alone, Kraft Heinz has proudly provided CAD $28 million in food donations to communities in need across Canada. Globally, The Kraft Heinz Company is committing USD $12 million to support food banks around the world in communities that are affected by the pandemic.

"The support we're seeing, from Canadians and organizations like Kraft Heinz, is essential in keeping our food bank shelves stocked and our communities fed during this unstable time," said Chris Hatch, CEO Food Banks Canada. "The provision of personal protection equipment is not only necessary, it's saying to food bank staff  and  volunteers, we care about your safety and we're here for you, so you can be there for those in need."

As the country's largest food company, Kraft Heinz Canada is pleased to report this initiative is supported by the efforts of more than 1,400 employees, who are working overtime to ensure production meets the demand of grocery stores and food banks. Production at Kraft Heinz Canada's Mont Royal plant is now running lines continuously through the day and night with the goal of providing enough food to help feed all Canadians.

"The increased production and dedication of our plant employees really shows how important the culture of giving back to the community is for us, from senior leadership to our line workers," said Danielle Nguyen, Plant Manager at Kraft Heinz Canada. "Some of our staff have even come out of retirement to support production and Canadians in this time of need."

ABOUT KRAFT HEINZ CANADA

Kraft Heinz Canada is the country's largest food and beverage company and is a subsidiary of Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ: KHC). Kraft Heinz Canada provides high quality, great taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether at home, in restaurants or on the go. Kraft Heinz Canada products are found in more than 97 per cent of Canadian households. The Company's iconic brands include Kraft Peanut Butter, Heinz Ketchup, KD, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Renées Dressing, Jell-O, Classico, Kool-Aid and Maxwell House. Kraft Heinz Canada is dedicated to the sustainable health of our people, our planet and our Company. For more information, please visit www.kraftheinzcompany.com. Our Kraft Heinz Project Play and Kraft Hockeyville initiatives have invested more than $7.7 million to improve play infrastructure and sports facilities in 187 communities across Canada. We also partner with food banks to increase food distribution and access to fresh foods in the Canadian emergency food bank system. To learn more, please visit www.kraftheinzcompany.com.

ABOUT FOOD BANKS CANADA

Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 3,000 food banks and community agencies come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who – last year – made 1.1 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Over the past 10 years, as a system we've sourced and shared over 1.4 billion pounds of food and Food Banks Canada shared nearly $70 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/ to learn more.

SOURCE Kraft Heinz Canada

For more information, or to speak with a representative from Kraft Heinz Project Pantry, please contact: Tom Horn, Proof, [email protected], [phone], Taylor Barker, Food Banks Canada, [email protected], [phone]