Today, Dunkin’® announced its Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation® has donated $1 million through grants to support efforts in bringing relief to children and families experiencing food insecurity. This significant funding arrives at a critical time for food banks that are seeing increased demand, with one out of every six people turning to food assistance organizations to access the food necessary for thriving.
Grant funding includes $550,000 to support Feeding America® partner food banks, with initiatives including backpack, supply, school pantry, and summer food programs. Additionally, the Foundation has granted $490,000 to 20 food banks across 17 states to bolster similar programs that support children and families.
Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive, and in every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet in 2022, 44 million people—1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children—faced food insecurity in the U.S. The end of pandemic-era relief efforts and the increasing cost of food has significantly impacted peoples’ abilities to make ends meet.
“Every day, we receive requests from hunger-relief organizations nationwide because of their growing needs. We are happy to be able to answer the call and provide grant funding for these crucial programs that provide food access to kids,” said Victor Carvalho, Chairman of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Board of Directors. “Hunger impacts countless children in our communities, and a child should never have to go to bed hungry or not know when or where their next meal will come. When a child faces food insecurity, it prevents them from leading a healthy and happy life.
Since 2015, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted nearly $15 million to over 1,500 hunger relief organizations across the country and since it’s inception in 2006 the Foundation has granted more than $7.3 million to Feeding America to support critical initiatives nationwide. As part of its continued support of Feeding America, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, alongside its Dunkin’ franchisees, brand employees and crew members, also give back by volunteering at food banks across the country throughout the year. Over the last 9 years, Dunkin’ franchisees and team members have volunteered more than 30,000 hours of their time to support local hunger relief organizations.
To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, visit www.joyinchildhoodfoundation.organd follow us on Facebook and Instagram.