KFC donates one million pieces of chicken to America’s seniors who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19
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 US 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 programmes will cook and deliver to seniors experiencing food insecurity.
Along with a one-time product donation to Meals on Wheels America from KFC US, 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 programme, or a senior center or nursing home that may need support and hot meals for seniors.
In addition, to recognise 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 honour of the Colonel’s famous 11 Herbs & Spices) to be distributed to local Meals on Wheels programme 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 US 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 programmes anticipate they will stay that way,” said Erika Kelly, Chief Membership and Advocacy Officer. “With this product in hand, Meals on Wheels programmes 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 programme.
To grow this effort, KFC is asking consumers to join in the challenge by making a donation of US$11/£8.03 or more (in honour 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.
