LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today,
Kentucky Fried Chicken® is once again donating one million pieces
of chicken to support the communities it serves, this time
dedicating its world-famous secret recipe to support seniors across
the country who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic. As part of this initiative, KFC is partnering with Meals
on Wheels America to help provide meals to homebound seniors in
need.
From now through May, KFC U.S. is donating boneless, skinless
chicken breast filets to local Meals on Wheels programs in select
markets, providing quality protein critical to senior nutrition
that Meals on Wheels programs will cook and deliver to seniors
experiencing food insecurity.
Along with a one-time product donation to Meals on Wheels
America from KFC U.S., KFC franchisees across the country will also
support seniors in their local communities, dedicating a case of
chicken per restaurant to cook and provide to seniors 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 senior center or nursing
home that may need support and hot meals for seniors.
In addition, to recognize and celebrate the volunteers who have
been working selflessly throughout the pandemic to help Meals on
Wheels continue to serve the most vulnerable, KFC is donating
11,000 KFC gift cards (in honor of the Colonel's famous 11 Herbs
& Spices) to be distributed to local Meals on Wheels program
volunteers nationwide, redeemable at participating locations.
The effort coincides with Meals on Wheels America's current
Make Good Go Further™ campaign designed to
showcase the heroic work of the nationwide network and its
continued efforts to serve vulnerable seniors throughout the
pandemic and for years to come. Even before COVID-19, nearly 10
million seniors in America struggled with hunger. Research
conducted by Meals on Wheels America in April 2020 illuminated the harsh reality of the
pandemic's effect on America's food security: 79 percent of Meals
on Wheels programs reported that demand for services had at least
doubled, and some saw increases of over 900 percent.
"Seniors have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with
social distancing efforts contributing to increased isolation,
loneliness and despair," said Staci
Rawls, KFC U.S. Chief Communications Officer. "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 seniors in need. They are the
real champions of this cause, and we're honored to participate in
their heroic efforts."
"KFC's generous donation could not have come at a better time as
both food and operational costs have risen and 96 percent of local
programs anticipate they will stay that way," said Erika Kelly, Chief Membership and Advocacy
Officer. "With this product in hand, Meals on Wheels programs will
be able to continue to deliver nutritious meals to homebound
seniors while providing much needed financial relief. We're so
grateful for KFC's support in helping Make Good Go
Further."
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.
About KFC
KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Ky., is the world's most
popular chicken restaurant chain. KFC specializes in Original
Recipe®, Extra Crispy™, Kentucky Grilled Chicken® and Extra Crispy™
Tenders, Hot Wings®, KFC Famous Bowls®, Pot Pies, freshly hand
prepared chicken sandwiches, biscuits and homestyle side
items. There are more than 24,000 KFC restaurants in over 145
countries and territories around the world. KFC Corporation is
a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. (NYSE: YUM). For
more information, visit www.kfc.com. Follow KFC on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/kfc), Twitter (www.twitter.com/kfc) and Instagram
(www.instagram.com/KFC).
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America
is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000
community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to
addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network serves
virtually every community in America and, along with more than two
million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals,
friendly visits and safety checks that enable America's seniors to
live nourished lives with independence and dignity. Through
funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy, Meals on
Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen
their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or
to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit
www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
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SOURCE KFC