Tag: 3BL

Cement production has its challenges—notably, the variability of resources can make kilns difficult to control and manage. Cimento Itambé wanted to optimize kiln productivity, increase mill productivity, and reduce energy use.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK) worked with Cimento Itambé to implement model predictive control (MPC) technology. MPC allowed Cimento Itambé to standardize operational processes, gain more equipment availability, and use less energy in their cement manufacturing process.

The first phase of the project, targeting the kilns, was completed in late 2022. During this phase, Cimento Itambé experienced a 5% increase in productivity, a 2% reduction in energy use in each kiln, and overall, more stable temperatures.

The second phase, improving the grinding operations, was completed in 2023. During this phase, Cimento Itambé realized a 5% reduction in energy usage, a 5-10% increase in productivity, and fewer disruptions in feeding or stops related to high vibrations.

Learn more about how MPC technology can put cement plants on the path to more stable production, reduced energy usage, and higher throughput.

Hershey

By Tim McCoy, Director, Cocoa Partnerships

Key Takeaways:

Supporting children’s education has been a central part of Hershey’s mission since our founding more than 130 years ago. Today, we’re continuing this work by helping expand the education system in cocoa-farming communities in West Africa.We’ve teamed up with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and are funding the construction of 12 new schools, including a new school in Ozékro, a small village of farmers in Côte d’Ivoire’s western cocoa-growing region.In addition to school construction, we are working to train teachers, establish remedial education programs and improve literacy and numeracy for 5 million primary school children through the Child Learning and Education Facility (CLEF).

Growing up in rural Appalachia, I knew that education was key to a brighter future. The importance of education is deeply engrained in my family going back to my great-great grandfather, who taught primary school both before and after his service in the U.S. Army during the Civil War and my grandfather, who taught vocational agriculture to American GIs after their service during World War II. This makes me especially proud to work for The Hershey Company, where supporting children has been part of the company’s DNA since our founding more than 130 years ago. We want all children to have bright futures, and that extends to the communities in our cocoa supply chain.

Milton Hershey may have given us America’s most iconic chocolate bar, but one of our founder’s most compelling contributions is Milton Hershey School (MHS). Founded by Milton and his wife Catherine, they built the school with the intention of providing youth with a productive and fulfilling life. Prior to his death, Milton Hershey left the entirety of his fortune with the school to ensure its continued success.

We’ve continued to carry on this commitment to education today. In addition to our work with youth in the U.S., we’re investing in widescale educational infrastructure in West Africa, where much of the world’s cocoa is grown, to support children who lack sufficient access to quality education. Our hope is that having greater school access can help set generations of children on a path to fulfilling and productive lives.

We engage with leading children’s rights experts to enhance our work and apply what we’ve learned from years of investing in cocoa-farming communities to achieve greater impact. We’re active partners with the Child Learning and Education Facility. (CLEF), a public-private coalition to improve access to quality education for children in cocoa-producing areas of Côte d’Ivoire. In CLEF, we are partnering with the Jacobs Foundation, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire Ministry of Education and Literacy, and 14 other chocolate producers and cocoa suppliers to build 2,500 new classrooms, train teachers, establish remedial education programs and improve literacy and numeracy for 5 million primary school children.

Last year, Hershey signed an agreement with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Oversight Committee for Actions to Fight Child Labor, Trafficking and Exploitation (CNS) and the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) to fund construction of 12 primary schools (72 classrooms) in cocoa-producing communities that currently lack school infrastructure. In 2023, we built three new schools in Côte d’Ivoire and nine more will be completed by the end of 2025.

Many rural cocoa-growing communities lack the financial resources to develop a school system that can serve all the children in the area. Lack of educational infrastructure is often caused by factors like distance between households and challenges in recruiting and housing teachers. In Ozékro, a cocoa-growing community located in western Côte d’Ivoire, the new public primary school is already allowing families to benefit from the project. In a community of fewer than 1,000 people, nearly 200 households have been impacted by having a new school within traveling distance, removing a barrier to education for many. Watch the video above to hear from community members how the new school has made a difference for their families.

Our efforts are aimed toward helping children receive a quality education to achieve their full potential and that high-quality school infrastructure is key to creating a safe and protective environment where children can learn. Research also shows that communities with better access to education have fewer children working to support their families’ farms, a key issue in many cocoa-growing regions.

We also know education is about more than just classrooms. Our projects extend to the construction of canteens, upgraded water wells, and latrines. Central to any education system are devoted teachers, so we’re working with our partners to train educators and, where appropriate, build teacher lodgings. We’re providing school supplies in line with the government’s national child labor action plans, and helping children obtain birth certificates that are necessary to enroll in school.

Aligned with the objectives of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Strategy for Sustainable Cocoa and Hershey’s Income Accelerator program, these investments reflect a shared commitment to ensuring a better and more sustainable cocoa supply chain.

Hershey has an important role to play in a sustainable supply chain and the livelihoods of cocoa farming families. It takes an environment of supportive practices and broad cooperation. No single company can do this alone, so we remain committed to collaborating to tackle the complex issues facing the industry. By working with our partners to eliminate barriers to school attendance, we are making strides to set cocoa-growing communities up for success for generations to come.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to roll out crucial regulatory updates to address environmental and public health concerns posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). With growing awareness of the long-term effects of these “persistent chemicals,” the EPA is taking measures to mitigate PFAS contamination.

These and other PFAS regulations being enacted around the world are calling for businesses to take a more proactive stance on their awareness and risk management of PFAS in their operations, or risk facing potential regulatory and legal repercussions for non-compliance.

Beyond the legal and financial considerations, adherence to PFAS regulations also plays a significant role in corporate social responsibility initiatives. Businesses that remain vigilant and adaptable to PFAS regulatory changes are better positioned to comply with future regulatory changes, as well as demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and public health.

To help you stay up to date on these changing regulations, we’ve created this guide to reflect new developments in the EPA’s PFAS regulations.

Latest EPA Updates on PFAS Regulations

Designation of PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances (April 2024)

On April 19th, 2024, the EPA finalized the designation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) – two of the most widely used PFAS chemicals – as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

The new designation means companies are now required to immediately report any releases of PFOA and PFOS that meet or exceed reportable quantities. Reports must be made to the National Response Center, state or Tribal emergency response commission, and the local or Tribal emergency planning committee (local emergency responders).

For more details, please refer to: Designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances

Existing EPA PFAS Actions and Regulations

National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS (April 2024)

The rule establishes the first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for six PFAS compounds.

Key provisions include setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS compounds in drinking water, implementing monitoring requirements, and providing guidance for water utilities to comply with the new standards. 

For more details, please refer to: National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS

PFAS Enforcement Discretion and Settlement Policy Under CERCLA (April 2024)

The EPA has issued a separate CERCLA enforcement discretion policy, clarifying the EPA’s enforcement focus on the parties most responsible for the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment. This includes manufacturers of PFAS and parties that use PFAS in their manufacturing process, as well as other federal and industrial parties.

For more details, please refer to: PFAS Enforcement Discretion and Settlement Policy Under CERCLA

Updated interim guidance on PFAS destruction and disposal (April 2024)

The EPA updated their interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of PFAS-containing materials. This update offers guidance on effective methods of remediation, disposal, and destruction of PFAS contaminated materials.

Based on current scientific research, this revision shares information about the use of large-scale capacity technologies used to destroy or control PFAS release into the environment: thermal destruction, landfills, and underground injection.

Decision-makers can use this guidance to select the technology that works best for their needs.

For more details, please refer to: Interim Guidance on Destroying and Disposing of Certain PFAS and PFAS-Containing Materials That Are Not Consumer Products

New Use Rule for Inactive PFAS (January 2024)

This significant new use rule (SNUR) enhances the regulation of PFAS by prohibiting the resumption of manufacture or processing of inactive PFAS without EPA review of the significant new use.

The SNUR applies specifically to PFAS listed as “Inactive” on the Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory, referring to substances that have not been manufactured or processed in the United States since June 21, 2006. Entities intending to manufacture or process any of the 329 PFAS compounds covered by the rule must submit a Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) to the EPA and comply with any applicable requirements resulting from EPA review.

For more details, please refer to: Risk Management for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) under TSCA

Learn how the experts at Antea Group can help your organization with the detection, remediation, and risk management of PFAS chemicals and contaminated materials.

Do you feel a bit lost when people refer to certain environmental sustainability topics and aren’t sure where to start when it comes to learning more? Sustainability 101 is a blog series that you can turn to for information about different environmental terms that may come up at work, during discussions with friends, and even at your annual holiday gathering.

“The Gartner®1Q24 Global Labor Market Survey found that 44% of workers worldwide have a hybrid work model, outnumbering the 39% of workers who work full-time in the office full-time.”*

Hybrid work is a model that combines in-office and remote work. Some companies set specific days for on-site work, while others allow employees to manage their own schedules. Hybrid work models can be associated with less frequent commutes which can lower emissions from motor vehicles.

But hybrid work can also be a key factor in advancing sustainability in the workforce — helping to create workplace environments where employees are healthy, engaged, and productive.

These practices can be a key component of a company’s overall environmental, social, and governance (ESG) program, which often includes the well-being and development of employees.

Let’s explore hybrid work trends and how these models can foster inclusive and productive workforces.

From Perk to Expectation

While flexible work models have been around for a while, remote work became commonplace during the pandemic, which led to the increased popularity of hybrid work. Many employees prefer a hybrid approach versus a full-time return to the office, seeing it as a way to support their work-life balance and general well-being.

Meanwhile, employers are also finding that flexible work models can be an important way to attract, support, and retain employees.

In a 2022 Cisco Global Hybrid Work Study, 28,000 full-time employees across 27 markets were surveyed and conveyed support for hybrid work with a collaborative approach:

62% of employees agree that their ability to work from anywhere impacts whether they stay at or leave a job61% believe their quality of work has improved60% have seen their productivity increase

How Cisco Powers Hybrid Work

At the heart of successful hybrid work is collaborative technology that reaches corporate headquarters and home offices — from video conferencing to messaging applications to real-time document sharing.

For example, with its market-leading platform composed of Webex, AnyConnect VPN and ThousandEyes, Cisco is providing a secure way for millions of people to work from home daily.

A Cisco-enabled remote work environment can also include a Cisco Desk Pro, a dedicated video desk device with three times the screen size of an average PC, which delivers a high-quality meeting experience. It helps make calls engaging and keeps them from becoming fatiguing– no eye squinting to see small talking heads on a small PC screen.

For office environments, Cisco can unlock sustainability potential and optimize workplaces through its Smart Building solutions that can automate workplace environments, improve space, and lower costs. By using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and connected Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning (HVAC), security, and occupancy systems, companies can gain actionable, timely insights into building resource availability, occupancy, and energy usage.

Not only do these solutions support more sustainable hybrid work, but many of the products themselves are built with sustainability in mind.

For example, the Cisco Room Bar, a video device for office meeting rooms, was created with a circular design approach. The number of internal components was reduced by 16 tons per year, and the packaging volume was reduced by 44 percent by removing foam. The product itself has been designed to be easier to repair, refurbish, and recycle.

Cisco is applying principles like this to its whole portfolio. In fact, Cisco has set a goal that 100 percent of its new products and packaging will incorporate Circular Design Principles by its fiscal year 2025.

The Importance of Inclusivity and Productivity in a Hybrid Work Model

Cisco’s purpose is to power an inclusive future for all. Supporting hybrid and inclusive work environments — where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, feels valued and can contribute fully — is a key aspect of the company’s purpose.

For example, Webex enhances inclusivity with features like real-time translation, closed captions, and post-meeting recaps.

Cisco is now applying industry-leading AI to further address frustrations with background noise, poor sound, and low video quality. The goal is to make it feel as if there is no real distance between colleagues, and that each participant, regardless of location, is able to fully and effectively participate.

Guiding Principles and the Future of Hybrid Work

According to an IDC study, nearly half of organizations prioritize maintaining flexible work models in order to support their transformation efforts.

Despite the momentum and prioritization of hybrid work, many organizations struggle to implement effective strategies. According to a McKinsey 2024 survey, 68 percent of organizations do not yet have detailed plans about how to handle hybrid work.

Hybrid work models can vary by region, industry, company and even business units, creating complexities for both workers and managers. It can be a new way of thinking that spans company culture, processes, and technology. Ultimately, it requires a strategic and thoughtful approach from multiple stakeholders across an organization.

Cisco’s mindset, as stated by our president and CEO Chuck Robbins is that “The office is a magnet, not a mandate.”

Hybrid work models are not just about flexibility — they are integral to advancing sustainability and inclusivity in the workforce. By leveraging advanced technology and strategic planning, companies can foster environments where employees thrive and contribute to broader sustainability goals.

Hybrid work is becoming more mainstream, and many organizations are looking for ways to achieve better outcomes. For me personally, since I began using a dedicated Webex device for managing all my remote conferencing, I have re-energized my productivity and increased my job satisfaction.

For guidance on how to take hybrid work from a ‘great experiment’ to a cornerstone of sustainability and productivity, check out Cisco’s Mastering Hybrid Work.

*Gartner, Quick Answer: Evaluating Microsoft Places for Hybrid Work Challenges, Tori Paulman, Christopher Trueman, 8 July 2024

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

View original content here

Do you feel a bit lost when people refer to certain environmental sustainability topics and aren’t sure where to start when it comes to learning more? Sustainability 101 is a blog series that you can turn to for information about different environmental terms that may come up at work, during discussions with friends, and even at your annual holiday gathering.

“The Gartner®1Q24 Global Labor Market Survey found that 44% of workers worldwide have a hybrid work model, outnumbering the 39% of workers who work full-time in the office full-time.”*

Hybrid work is a model that combines in-office and remote work. Some companies set specific days for on-site work, while others allow employees to manage their own schedules. Hybrid work models can be associated with less frequent commutes which can lower emissions from motor vehicles.

But hybrid work can also be a key factor in advancing sustainability in the workforce — helping to create workplace environments where employees are healthy, engaged, and productive.

These practices can be a key component of a company’s overall environmental, social, and governance (ESG) program, which often includes the well-being and development of employees.

Let’s explore hybrid work trends and how these models can foster inclusive and productive workforces.

From Perk to Expectation

While flexible work models have been around for a while, remote work became commonplace during the pandemic, which led to the increased popularity of hybrid work. Many employees prefer a hybrid approach versus a full-time return to the office, seeing it as a way to support their work-life balance and general well-being.

Meanwhile, employers are also finding that flexible work models can be an important way to attract, support, and retain employees.

In a 2022 Cisco Global Hybrid Work Study, 28,000 full-time employees across 27 markets were surveyed and conveyed support for hybrid work with a collaborative approach:

62% of employees agree that their ability to work from anywhere impacts whether they stay at or leave a job61% believe their quality of work has improved60% have seen their productivity increase

How Cisco Powers Hybrid Work

At the heart of successful hybrid work is collaborative technology that reaches corporate headquarters and home offices — from video conferencing to messaging applications to real-time document sharing.

For example, with its market-leading platform composed of Webex, AnyConnect VPN and ThousandEyes, Cisco is providing a secure way for millions of people to work from home daily.

A Cisco-enabled remote work environment can also include a Cisco Desk Pro, a dedicated video desk device with three times the screen size of an average PC, which delivers a high-quality meeting experience. It helps make calls engaging and keeps them from becoming fatiguing– no eye squinting to see small talking heads on a small PC screen.

For office environments, Cisco can unlock sustainability potential and optimize workplaces through its Smart Building solutions that can automate workplace environments, improve space, and lower costs. By using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and connected Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning (HVAC), security, and occupancy systems, companies can gain actionable, timely insights into building resource availability, occupancy, and energy usage.

Not only do these solutions support more sustainable hybrid work, but many of the products themselves are built with sustainability in mind.

For example, the Cisco Room Bar, a video device for office meeting rooms, was created with a circular design approach. The number of internal components was reduced by 16 tons per year, and the packaging volume was reduced by 44 percent by removing foam. The product itself has been designed to be easier to repair, refurbish, and recycle.

Cisco is applying principles like this to its whole portfolio. In fact, Cisco has set a goal that 100 percent of its new products and packaging will incorporate Circular Design Principles by its fiscal year 2025.

The Importance of Inclusivity and Productivity in a Hybrid Work Model

Cisco’s purpose is to power an inclusive future for all. Supporting hybrid and inclusive work environments — where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, feels valued and can contribute fully — is a key aspect of the company’s purpose.

For example, Webex enhances inclusivity with features like real-time translation, closed captions, and post-meeting recaps.

Cisco is now applying industry-leading AI to further address frustrations with background noise, poor sound, and low video quality. The goal is to make it feel as if there is no real distance between colleagues, and that each participant, regardless of location, is able to fully and effectively participate.

Guiding Principles and the Future of Hybrid Work

According to an IDC study, nearly half of organizations prioritize maintaining flexible work models in order to support their transformation efforts.

Despite the momentum and prioritization of hybrid work, many organizations struggle to implement effective strategies. According to a McKinsey 2024 survey, 68 percent of organizations do not yet have detailed plans about how to handle hybrid work.

Hybrid work models can vary by region, industry, company and even business units, creating complexities for both workers and managers. It can be a new way of thinking that spans company culture, processes, and technology. Ultimately, it requires a strategic and thoughtful approach from multiple stakeholders across an organization.

Cisco’s mindset, as stated by our president and CEO Chuck Robbins is that “The office is a magnet, not a mandate.”

Hybrid work models are not just about flexibility — they are integral to advancing sustainability and inclusivity in the workforce. By leveraging advanced technology and strategic planning, companies can foster environments where employees thrive and contribute to broader sustainability goals.

Hybrid work is becoming more mainstream, and many organizations are looking for ways to achieve better outcomes. For me personally, since I began using a dedicated Webex device for managing all my remote conferencing, I have re-energized my productivity and increased my job satisfaction.

For guidance on how to take hybrid work from a ‘great experiment’ to a cornerstone of sustainability and productivity, check out Cisco’s Mastering Hybrid Work.

*Gartner, Quick Answer: Evaluating Microsoft Places for Hybrid Work Challenges, Tori Paulman, Christopher Trueman, 8 July 2024

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

View original content here

Whole Foods Market Foundation

Margaret is a microcredit client of Whole Planet Foundation’s microfinance partner, Village Enterprise, in Uganda who grew her business in order to build a better life for her family by feeding her kids and sending them to school. Hear from her granddaughter, Anne, about her Tata Margaret’s journey and how her hard work helped Anne and her mother have a brighter future.

About Whole Foods Market Foundation

Whole Foods Market Foundation works to nourish people and the planet by helping to advance healthy food access, nutrition and economic opportunities in local and global communities. The registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in Austin, Texas, encompasses the projects of Whole Cities, Whole Kids and Whole Planet. For more information on the Foundation’s work, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Whole Foods Market Foundation

Margaret is a microcredit client of Whole Planet Foundation’s microfinance partner, Village Enterprise, in Uganda who grew her business in order to build a better life for her family by feeding her kids and sending them to school. Hear from her granddaughter, Anne, about her Tata Margaret’s journey and how her hard work helped Anne and her mother have a brighter future.

About Whole Foods Market Foundation

Whole Foods Market Foundation works to nourish people and the planet by helping to advance healthy food access, nutrition and economic opportunities in local and global communities. The registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in Austin, Texas, encompasses the projects of Whole Cities, Whole Kids and Whole Planet. For more information on the Foundation’s work, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn.

The wait is over…

We’re thrilled when the efforts we make on a daily basis are recognized by others and we are proud to share the following good news:

2024 Seramount 100 Best Companies winner

This award celebrates organizations that lead in areas of working parents, benefits, career opportunities, parental leave, and childcare.

2024 Seramount Best Companies for Multicultural Women winner

This award win comes from our continued commitment to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of multicultural women throughout our organization, globally.

Disability Equality Index Top Scoring Company: Disability:IN

This year marks our tenth consecutive year as a top scoring company on the Disability Equality Index and the sixth year we have achieved a remarkable 100% score.

2024 Community Business: Shortlisted finalist for LGBT+ Inclusion in India Award

To recognize an organization who has taken proactive and effective steps to promote an LGBTQ+ inclusive culture in the workplace and beyond in Asia.

Our commitment to inclusivity is shown every day in the actions we take to support our people, that’s our culture of care and collaboration.

The wait is over…

We’re thrilled when the efforts we make on a daily basis are recognized by others and we are proud to share the following good news:

2024 Seramount 100 Best Companies winner

This award celebrates organizations that lead in areas of working parents, benefits, career opportunities, parental leave, and childcare.

2024 Seramount Best Companies for Multicultural Women winner

This award win comes from our continued commitment to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of multicultural women throughout our organization, globally.

Disability Equality Index Top Scoring Company: Disability:IN

This year marks our tenth consecutive year as a top scoring company on the Disability Equality Index and the sixth year we have achieved a remarkable 100% score.

2024 Community Business: Shortlisted finalist for LGBT+ Inclusion in India Award

To recognize an organization who has taken proactive and effective steps to promote an LGBTQ+ inclusive culture in the workplace and beyond in Asia.

Our commitment to inclusivity is shown every day in the actions we take to support our people, that’s our culture of care and collaboration.

Yum! Brands

Somewhere in Poland, a notification pushes from the brand’s app. The customer who ordered the large Stuffed Crust pepperoni pizza wants thin crust instead. At a KFC in Brazil, it’s the end of the lunch rush hour, and some Original Recipe chicken has gone unsold. Situations like these occur across restaurants around the world.

This surplus food presents an opportunity for Yum! Brands. As the world’s largest restaurant business and parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and The Habit Burger Grill, Yum! and its brands’ franchisees are uniquely positioned to donate unused product to food banks and charities on a global scale. This not only feeds those in need but also keeps food out of landfills, curbing carbon emissions.

“We’re helping to solve hunger issues in various markets and impact climate change. It’s rewarding work,” Maria Echeverri, KFC Latin America and Caribbean food donation lead, said. “And we’re proud of the progress we’ve made. Since Yum! created Harvest in 1992, the company has donated over 215 million lbs. of food to more than 5,000 charity partners in 25-plus countries, which is the equivalent of removing over 19 million trash bags from landfills. But we still know there is more work to be done.”

Harvest, which Echeverri mentioned, is run by Food Donation Connection (FDC). It started in 1992 and was, at the time, the only such program in the United States, making Pizza Hut the first national chain to donate its surplus food. Bill Reighard, a former Pizza Hut/PepsiCo executive who left the company, founded FDC, and the company now partners with other restaurant chains. Among them is KFC, which began its Harvest program in the United States in 1999, marking 2024 as the partnership’s 25th anniversary.

Harvest also works as a retention tool. In Trinidad and Tobago, one of KFC’s most frequented markets, franchisee Roger Rambharose, vice president of Prestige Holdings Limited, saw the program as an opportunity to connect with his Generation Z team members, who were looking for a sense of purpose in their work. So, his team identified seven local charities and mapped out a weekly collection process. They bought a freezer truck to transport the surplus food in the hot Caribbean weather and branded the vehicle with Harvest messaging to visually alert the community of the program. It’s been so successful, Rambharose has seen an immediate increase in team member retention (watch him talk about it in the video above).

Another success story is in the U.K. where KFC and its franchisees donates its surplus food through the biggest food redistribution program in the country, Fareshare. Since partnering with them in 2021, its food donation has grown by two-thirds, providing 1 million meals over the past three years and targeting 2 million meals by the end of 2024.

“About half of our restaurants are currently donating their surplus chicken,” Louise Norris, KFC Foundation manager in the United Kingdom and Ireland (UKI), said. “We work every day to increase that amount and have done some pretty fun activations, like a community kitchen in which influencers created recipes using leftover KFC chicken. We want to show our customers that they, too, can put food on plates, not landfills.”

Even Yum!’s test kitchens send unused product to those in need. Taco Bell donates surplus food from its Irvine, California, corporate office and its distribution centers. In Plano, Texas, Jennifer Gilara, who was once a Pizza Hut general manager before running its test kitchen, donated 6,000 lbs. of food to a local homeless shelter in 2023. She has a goal of doubling that this year.

“As the world’s largest restaurant company, we can make a big impact and lead in the food donation space,” Gilara said. “I’m so grateful that we’ve found a solution that has the potential to work in every one of our markets to feed those in our communities.”

Whether it’s Harvest through FDC, food donation through FareShare or another organization, or a direct donation, Yum! Brands will continue to feed those in need, curb greenhouse gas emissions and provide a sense of purpose to team members.