KFC and Meals on Wheels America (MOWA) are undertaking an initiative to help isolated and at-risk older adults as part of Meals on Wheels’ “Make Good Go Further” initiative. Through May, KFC U.S. and local franchisees will donate 1 million pieces chicken to older adults across the country, a news release said. In addition, to recognize and celebrate the volunteers who have been working throughout the pandemic to help Meals on Wheels continue to serve the most vulnerable, KFC is donating 11,000 KFC gift cards to be distributed to local Meals on Wheels program volunteers nationwide, redeemable at participating locations.
Along with a one-time product donation of boneless, skinless chicken breast filets to Meals on Wheels America from KFC U.S., KFC franchisees across the country will also support older adults in their local communities, dedicating a case of chicken per restaurant to cook and provide to older adults in their communities. Each local restaurant team will determine where that donation is directed — whether it is an additional donation to their local Meals on Wheels program, or a facility for older adults that may need support and hot meals for older adults.
Even before COVID-19, nearly 10 million older adults in America struggled with hunger. Research conducted by Meals on Wheels America in April 2020 found that 79% of Meals on Wheels programs reported that demand for services had at least doubled, and some saw increases of over 900%. “Older adults have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with social distancing efforts contributing to increased isolation, loneliness and despair,” Staci Rawls, KFC U.S. chief communications officer, said in the release. “We want to do our part to to help ensure the safety and well-being of older adults during this difficult time, and Meals on Wheels America has the support system in place to reach older adults in need.”
This is KFC’s third donation of one million pieces of chicken to feed local communities, a program that began in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. KFC’s first donation of one million pieces of chicken was directed towards frontline and essential workers in March 2020. In August 2020, educators across the country were the recipients of KFC’s second donation of one million pieces of chicken through KFC’s Back to School Buckets program.
To grow this effort, KFC is asking consumers to join in the challenge by making a donation of $11 or more (in honor of the Colonel’s famous 11 Herbs & Spices), which will provide one meal and a friendly visit to a senior served by Meals on Wheels. KFC and its franchisees operate almost 4,000 U.S. restaurants, serving Americans in all 50 states, and has continued feeding America through delivery, drive-thru and pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, KFC now has more than 24,000 KFC locations worldwide.
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