PepsiCo's Food & Essentials Hub Program Provides Over 2 Million Meals
News related to:Feed the Children · 2 min read
HARRISON, N.Y. and OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- PepsiCo and its foundation have reached a significant milestone with the Feed the Children Food & Essentials Hub program, which has provided over 2 million meals to students and families since its launch in 2020. The program, which aims to address childhood hunger and provide essential resources, has seen substantial growth and impact during the 2025-26 school year.
The initiative began in 2020 when food insecurity among U.S. households with children rose to 14.8%, up from 13.6% in 2019. This increase highlighted the urgent need for programs that could provide immediate support to families struggling with access to nutritious food and essential resources. The Feed the Children Food & Essentials Hub program, supported by PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation, has since become a vital resource in communities across the United States.
During the 2025-26 school year, the program expanded its reach significantly. It engaged 834 schools across 11 states, serving more than 154,900 students and 58,600 households. The program provided over 686,000 meals and distributed more than $6.7 million in food, essentials, books, and school supplies. This comprehensive approach ensures that families receive not just food, but also household and personal care items, school supplies, and educational resources.
The impact of the program is evident in the lives of the students and families it serves. According to the program, 71% of caregivers reported reduced household stress, with nearly two-thirds of caregivers saying the program helped reduce the need to cut or skip meals for their children. Concerns about food running out dropped by 17.3 percentage points, with nearly twice as many families reporting they did not worry about food at all. Additionally, 85% of families said access to household and personal care items helped free up resources for other essential expenses.
The program also had a positive effect on school attendance and student confidence. Eighty-seven percent of participating school districts reported improvements in student confidence and attendance, while 83% of students and families felt treated with dignity and respect while accessing resources.
Monica Bauer, SVP of Social Impact at PepsiCo and President of the PepsiCo Foundation, highlighted the program's effectiveness.
Emily Callahan, president and CEO of Feed the Children, emphasized the broader impact of the program.
PepsiCo, with its global presence, serves more than one billion people daily in over 200 countries and territories. In 2025, the company generated nearly $94 billion in net revenue, driven by its diverse portfolio of beverages and convenient foods. The Food & Essentials Hub program is part of PepsiCo's broader efforts to address social and environmental issues, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and community well-being.