In celebration of World Food Day, PepsiCo has partnered with The Assembly Soup Kitchen (TASK) to distribute over 1,000 food packs to underserved communities in Malaysia. Each pack includes essential items such as Tropicana fruit drinks, Quaker 3-in-1 cereal drinks, Quaker cookies, and Lay’s potato chips, aimed at benefiting students in refugee schools, homeless individuals, and the B40 income group in the Chow Kit area of Kuala Lumpur.
The initiative aligns with this year’s World Food Day theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” and underscores PepsiCo’s long-standing commitment to providing nutritious food to those in need. This two-phase food distribution drive was launched to not only provide immediate relief but also to raise awareness about the importance of food security in building stronger communities.
PepsiCo’s World Food Day food distribution drive in Malaysia was rolled out in two phases. In the first phase, which took place in August, PepsiCo employees and their family members volunteered to prepare and distribute freshly made meals to those in need. This phase saw the active involvement of PepsiCo’s workforce, reflecting the company’s strong culture of giving back and engaging with local communities.
The second phase, which was carried out between October 16-23, involved the preparation and distribution of 1,000 Nourishing Food packs. These packs were specifically curated to provide much-needed nutrition to underserved populations, including students and homeless individuals in the Chow Kit area. This thoughtful approach is part of PepsiCo’s larger mission to improve access to healthy and nutritious food, especially in vulnerable communities.
“Food security is essential for the well-being of any community,” said Aditya Ahuja, Commercial Director for PepsiCo Foods in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Pacific Islands. “Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide are still facing food insecurity, a crisis that has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Malaysia is no exception. Our collaboration with TASK is part of our continued efforts to address this issue and ensure that people in underserved communities receive proper nutrition.”
This initiative is a part of PepsiCo Positive (pep+), a company-wide transformation launched in 2021, which focuses on sustainability, community development, and healthier consumer choices. Pep+ is built on three strategic pillars: Positive Agriculture, Positive Value Chain, and Positive Choices.
The Positive Value Chain pillar reflects PepsiCo’s commitment to addressing food insecurity, enhancing community livelihoods, and driving sustainable growth. Through partnerships with local organizations like TASK, PepsiCo is not only addressing immediate hunger needs but also fostering long-term resilience in communities.
“Communities are central to our Positive Value Chain initiative. By working together with partners like TASK, we’re able to create real, lasting change for vulnerable populations,” said Ahuja. “Our pep+ initiative empowers us to make a significant impact, not just by addressing hunger today but by contributing to long-term solutions that build stronger, healthier communities.”
The Positive Agriculture pillar aims to promote sustainable farming practices, improve crop yields, and support farmers in regenerating ecosystems, ensuring a responsible and sustainable food supply chain.
The Positive Choices pillar focuses on enhancing the nutritional profiles of PepsiCo’s products and encouraging consumers to make healthier food choices. The introduction of products like Quaker 3-in-1 cereal drinks and cookies into food packs demonstrates PepsiCo’s commitment to offering balanced nutrition to communities in need.
The partnership between PepsiCo and TASK has played a vital role in supporting communities struggling with food insecurity in Malaysia. TASK’s mission to provide meals and assistance to the homeless and underprivileged aligns perfectly with PepsiCo’s efforts to create sustainable solutions that promote well-being.
“We are incredibly grateful for PepsiCo’s ongoing support,” said Mun Keong, Founder of TASK. “By providing these food packs, they are making a tangible impact in the lives of vulnerable communities in Malaysia. It is through collaborations like this that we can continue to address the growing challenge of food insecurity and ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food.”
Beyond its efforts to address hunger, PepsiCo has been actively promoting health and wellness initiatives in Malaysia. On September 22, 2024, Quaker, a PepsiCo brand, sponsored the Coway Run at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur. During this event, Quaker showcased its range of All-In-One cereal mixes and cookies, reinforcing its role in supporting balanced nutrition and active lifestyles.
The event of World Food Day provided a platform for Quaker to engage with the community and offer participants nutritious snacks that fuel their energy during the race. By distributing Quaker 3-in-1 cereal drinks, which are packed with essential nutrients, PepsiCo continues to promote healthy living through its products.
The initiative was a resounding success, with 7,800 participants receiving Quaker products—covering 92% of the total attendees and emphasizing PepsiCo’s commitment to encouraging a healthier lifestyle alongside addressing food security.
PepsiCo’s collaboration with TASK for World Food Day demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to tackling food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Malaysia. Through initiatives like these and their broader PepsiCo Positive (pep+) mission, PepsiCo is working to create a better future by improving access to nutritious food and empowering communities to live healthier, more resilient lives.
