“We’re very excited to be once again conducting our World Hunger Relief activities for 2012. This campaign is the world’s largest private sector fundraising effort to help alleviate hunger and under-nutrition globally,” said Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Philippines Chief Operating Officer, Lars Peterson.
“Every year, we set new challenges for the campaign so that we can continue to strengthen our support for WFP Philippines and its school feeding program in Mindanao, and I am proud that our managers and team
members are always so enthusiastic in working towards realizing our collection goals,” he added.
In time for the holiday season, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell customers are invited to contribute through several avenues. One is by the purchase of three different limited edition Christmas postcards signed by World Hunger Relief 2012 Volunteer, Ms. Universe third runner-up and Ms. Universe-Philippines 2011 Ms. Shamcey Supsup.
Pizza Hut and Taco Bell patrons may also donate to the campaign through the World Hunger Relief 2012 coinbanks found at all Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants and satellite locations nationwide. In addition, 10 pesos from every special Taco Bell WFP Combo Meal will go to WFP’s school feeding program. Customers also have the choice to contribute by adding 5, 10, or 20 pesos to their bill.
“WFP Philippines is very grateful to Pizza Hut and Taco Bell and their staff for all the energy, enthusiasm and support they have mobilized through their annual World Hunger Relief campaign. We’re proud to work together to ensure that hot meals are provided to needy conflict-affected children in Mindinao and to raise awareness on the issue of hunger in the Philippines and how to tackle it,” said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson.
Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Philippines began its World Hunger Relief activities in the country in 2007. Since then, over Php63 million has been raised to help feed school children in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, including those affected by Tropical Storm Washi (Sendong) in December 2011.
The Yum! Brands World Hunger Relief campaign is currently on its sixth year, and has raised US$115 million for hunger-fighting organizations, including US$57.9 million for WFP alone. With support from World Hunger Relief, WFP has reached 7.5 million people in 44 countries, including the Philippines.
Funds raised through the global World Hunger Relief campaign support WFP’s food assistance programs around the world, including school meals. School meals are important as an investment to break the cycle of poverty, by providing children with daily, nutritious food that encourages them to attend school.