When Kraft Heinz struggled to deliver food to the nonprofit Rise Against Hunger, the company began leveraging its existing procurement network through the Kraft Heinz Rise Together procurement program.
Sara Zeidan, Head of Eastern Agriculture and Sustainability at Kraft Heinz, told Supply Chain that the program, which will be piloted in 2022, has assembled a cross-functional team of supply chain, operations, legal and environmental, social and governance experts. Take a closer look at your email. Experts worked with nonprofits to find ways to deliver food seamlessly, helping create a blueprint for future logistics challenges.
This year, the company has already donated $15 million to Rise Against Hunger, and has extended its partnership with the nonprofit for the next three years as the two continue to grow their work together.
“This program provides time for Kraft Heinz procurement professionals to support Rise Against Hunger on procurement and supply chain issues by negotiating and collaborating with strategic suppliers with the goal of doubling the impact of Rise Against Hunger’s global meal donation program. and are encouraged to volunteer their expertise. It’s 2027,” Zeidan said.
Zeidan said the company is currently in strategic discussions with four global suppliers in materials, packaging and logistics.
A key aspect of Kraft Heinz’s collaboration with non-profit organizations is providing communities with nutritional products, including Heinz Beanz, infant porridge, biscuits, beverages and sauces.
Kraft Heinz also works with logistics companies to Maersk will “deliver donations across the UK and Europe to provide support to those in need at a time when logistics shortages and inflation are at record highs,” Zeidan said.
“We are working with logistics providers to provide logistics services in exchange for donations to Rise Against Hunger. This service also includes important customs clearance services as required,” Zeidan added.
In 2023, the program’s efforts delivered 20 truckloads of food to Rise Against Hunger, valued at approximately $500,000. The non-profit distributed aid to people facing food insecurity in Ukraine, Turkiye, and Syria. Additionally, six truckloads of food were distributed to other non-profit organizations.
