STOCKHOLM: September 12, 2016. In support of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Electrolux is to spend an initial US$1.2 million in setting up a food foundation to address global hunger, poor nutrition and waste.
Electrolux is also partnering with Worldchefs and AIESEC, a youth-led network supported by Deutsche Post DHL, to help launch a 'Feed the Planet' initiative.
"Feeding the world's growing population in a sustainable way is one of the greatest challenges of our time," said Electrolux president and CEO Jonas Samuelson. "By working together with Worldchefs and its 10 million associated chefs, we leverage our expertise, professional network and global organization to make the most of our contributions to local communities."
Electrolux says the objective is to inspire better food consumption and cooking habits among consumers and professionals, as well as support people in need through education and emergency relief efforts via aid organization Worldchefs Without Borders.
"I believe this project is going to change global sustainability as it relates to the hospitality field," said Worldchefs president Charles Carroll. "Our main focuses are sustainability education and awareness campaigns towards both consumers and professionals, and alleviating poverty through skills development and humanitarian relief."
Via Feed the Planet, Electrolux is also helping Worldchefs in a pilot program to educate chefs on sustainable cooking and minimizing the negative impact on the environment.
On September 12 the company launched its 'Electrolux Cares Week' for volunteering and giving back across North America. All manufacturing facilities and other major sites began food drives, volunteering in soup kitchens, and packing backpacks of food for hungry children.
By implementing a group-wide approach to social investment, the company says it wants to "be a force for good" that is also aligned with the U.N. SDGs – particularly #2, Zero Hunger and #12, Responsible Consumption and Production.