In response to the impact of severe flooding in southwest and northeast regions of Australia, General Mills is investing in a flood relief program through a $50,000 donation to Red Cross Australia.
In addition, through its longstanding partnership with Foodbank Australia, General Mills will provide product and employee food donations, and will match employees’ monetary contributions to certain charities, dollar for dollar up to USD$1000, through its Gift Giving Week beginning November 28.
General Mills ANZ MD, Matt Salter said it’s a small but meaningful way General Mills can support Australians embarking on the long path to recovery.
“It’s about putting the people we serve and the planet we depend on at the heart of our business. That’s why we are donating $50,000 to the Australian Red Cross to support those impacted by the devastating flood crisis. I can’t think of a better organisation to partner with.
“As a business, it’s really important we come together to help those less fortunate,” Salter said
This donation runs alongside General Mills Australia’s continued charitable partnerships.
General Mills has a partnership with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, which assists schools in low socio-economic areas to establish kitchen and garden infrastructure, while helping young people understand how to grow and prepare nutritious food.
General Mills says its partnership with Foodbank Australia rethinks how companies can contribute by taking some of the insecurity out of the food donation ‘surprise’ supply chain. The General Mills Rooty Hill plant in Western Sydney produces 10,000 dedicated meals of Latina Fresh ricotta and spinach agnolotti each month for people in need, working with suppliers who generously donate their ingredients and packaging.
General Mills is also focussed on regenerative agriculture through its partnership with Landcare Australia on working with farmers on soil manipulation and cover crop trials, focussing on durum wheat crops, which are key to fresh pasta product LatinaTM Fresh.
The program started during the intense period of drought and is now dealing with higher-than-expected levels of rainfall.
“Every donation makes a difference, working with our people to live our mission, making a meaningful impact in our communities around the world,” Salter said.
