Do the Right Thing

Corporate social responsibility is a key aspect of today's business model. Organizations work to make a difference in the communities in which they operate to make a positive impact. They strive to earn the trust of consumers and stakeholders by participating as an active corporate citizen. Lately, several examples have surfaced of how food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies are giving back through successful CSR campaigns.

One such company is General Mills. According to an article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, one in-house volunteer project became so successful, the company turned it into a stand-alone charity called Partners in Food Solutions. The program started in 2009 when a group of the food manufacturer's engineers and food scientists started to package meals and donate them to schools in Malawi. In just three months, the volunteers provided one million meals.

Today, more than 500 employees contribute their time, knowledge, and a passion for helping people to the effort. Recently, Partners in Food Solutions announced partnerships with food and nutrition producers Cargill and DSM to strengthen its goal of helping to feed the people of Africa and developing a strong, sustainable food supply chain throughout the continent.

Over the next five years, Partners in Food Solutions hopes to broaden its network of U.S.-based food companies and expand its effort to other parts of the developing world.

In addition to General Mills, many companies endeavor to use their brand, name, and profits for good. Since 1984, The Coca-Cola Company's philanthropic arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation has partnered with organizations around the world to support initiatives and programs that respond in a meaningful way to community needs and priorities. Recently, the beverage maker announced $2 million in grants to 20 organizations across the country during the second quarter alone that support: education and youth development programs; community; diversity and inclusion; active, healthy living; water stewardship; and community recycling.

Just days earlier, the Foundation awarded grants totaling $1 million to six U.S. colleges and universities to send approximately 160 students to study abroad in China over the next four years. Specifically, the grants support the U.S. State Department's 100,000 Strong Initiative to increase the number and diversify the composition of American students studying in China.

Coca-Cola's biggest competitor, Pepsi, has been giving away millions each month to fund refreshing ideas that change the world, one community at a time. Since the Pepsi Refresh Project started in January 2010, the company has awarded more than $20 million in grants.

In addition to food and beverage CPG companies, retailers are working to better the community as well. Target store grants provide monies to K-12 schools and other non-profit organizations to bring art and cultural experiences to schools, support educations field trips, and provide early childhood reading programs. The company is committed to giving 5 percent of its income – more than $3 million – to communities each week. Moreover, the Target Foundation offers grants to support arts and social services programs and organizations based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area where the company's headquarters are located.

Finally, being environmentally friendly, or "green," is another factor of CSR that companies try to achieve to be a good corporate citizen. Just a few weeks ago, Interbrand announced its 2011 list of Best Global Green Brands. The report focused on planet-focused efforts of the world's most valuable brands. The results comprised this comprehensive report of public perception of environmental sustainability performance and a demonstration of that performance of these brands. In regards to food and beverage CPG manufacturers, the results are as follows:

• France-based yogurt, bottled water, and baby food maker Danone landed highest on the list at number 14. Recognized for its sustainability initiatives, the company also runs programs to solve clean water-related problems in urban areas and reduce packaging.
  
• Coca-Cola came in next at number 27. The company has worked to increase the fuel efficiency of the system's fleet of more than 200,000 vehicles used to deliver products around the world, and plans to create sustainable shelving made from cardboard.
  
• Pepsi follows closely behind at number 29 for its attempt to reduce packaging, reformulate its plastic bottles, and increase recycling. To do that, the company has introduced "Dream Machine" recycling centers and outlined policies for reducing environmental impact in its "Performance with Purpose" initiative.
  
• Campbell's listed at number 35 for identifying and eliminating more than 9.3 million pounds of packaging materials, including steel, plastic, and paper since 2009. The soup maker has also invested in renewable energy, including an agreement to power its Ohio plant from solar energy, and has committed to sourcing 40 percent of its energy from sustainable sources by 2020.
  
• Starbucks rounds out the food and beverage CPG list at number 42. The company has pledged to make significant improvements, including: ensuring 100 percent percent of its cups are reusable or recyclable by 2015; to make all new stores green compliant (LEED certified); to preserve ecosystems around their facilities; and to reduce water consumption by 25 percent by 2015.

What are your thoughts? Tell me what food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants you feel are making a strong impact in your community and around the world.

Best of: Pepsi Refresh Project

Again this week, I'm taking a look back at one of my best entries since I started my blog in March 2010. Today, I'm going back to August 10, 2010 and my first post about the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Now in its second year, Pepsi has made some changes to the grant process. The 2011 edits include fewer nomination categories, more grants awarded, and help for submitters to promote their ideas to garner votes. The application process has also been altered, hopefully making it easier for applicants to apply for funding.

I'm still a huge fan of this innovative idea, and would love to read your thoughts about this program.

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In December 2009, PepsiCo made a rather controversial decision when it decided to skip Super Bowl advertising to focus on cause marketing. Since the start of 2010, the company has "refreshed everything," launching the Pepsi Refresh Project, giving away millions of dollars in grants to build individuals and communities.

Here's how it works:

• People, businesses, and non-profit organizations submit ideas that they believe will have a positive impact on their communities. Anyone can submit an idea, and the company accepts up to 1,000 applications each month.
  
• Consumers are asked to vote for causes they like. They can vote for up to 10 ideas every day.
  
• At the end of the month, the chosen applicants to receive grants are announced. Applicants not chosen are encouraged to apply again, and the whole process starts over again.

Each month, the Pepsi Refresh Project awards numerous grants of different sizes. Up to 10 individual awardees are selected every month to receive $5,000 to unleash their inspired ideas. Another group of up to 10 individuals and small groups receive $25,000 to implement their initiatives within the community. $50,000 is awarded to up to 10 companies and organizations that can make a difference with their proposal. Finally, up to two organizations are granted $250,000 to dedicate a large amount of time and resources to their plan.

For the month of August, the Pepsi Refresh Project committed an additional $1.3 million to its $20 million campaign to "do good" for the Gulf and fund ideas that will support the communities hit hardest by the BP oil spill.

PepsiCo has teamed with the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and The Today Show to spread the word and subsidize ideas that make the world a better place.

So far, grant recipients include The American Legion of Indianapolis, Indiana, who are using their $250,000 grant to provide comfort items for U.S. military troops recovering from wounds; The Economic Empowerment Initiative of Atlanta, Georgia, which received a $50,000 grant to provide financial literacy seminars for high school and college students; and Because We Are Sisters of Richmond, Virginia, that will use their $5,000 grant to support seven families in need as they prepare for the arrival of a baby, among others in the past months. Check out these videos featuring inspirational grant recipients:








Along with partners GOOD, DoSomething.org, City Year, and GlobalGiving, the Pepsi Refresh Project is making a difference in communities across the country.

Every Pepsi refreshes the world. Drink your Pepsi and vote for your favorite project at www.refresheverything.com!

Do you love this campaign as much as I do? Leave me a message with your thoughts (good or bad!) and definitely let me know if your community has been "refreshed" by this innovative campaign.

Winner Take All

Last weekend, stars took center stage at the Oscars, but award season has only just begun! Recently, several media outlets announced honors for a number of retail companies and food and beverage consumer packaged goods manufacturers in a variety of prestigious categories.

Last week, Working Mother Magazine unveiled its first-ever list of Best Companies for Women's Advancement. According to the publication, the companies named "are dedicated to helping women secure the mentoring, networking, and training they need to make it to the highest levels." General Mills topped the list for its commitment to women, with more than 12 mentoring groups and women's networks from which employees can choose. Women also lead 71 percent of the company's major retail divisions.

Corporate Responsibility Magazine also revealed its 12th annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List, acknowledging the world's top corporate responsibility programs. The list, based on publicly-available information and recognized by PR Week as one of America's top three most-important business rankings, incorporates a wide variety of inputs and viewpoints to compile its rankings.

Among food and beverage CPG companies, Campbell Soup leads the pack this year, coming in at number two. Landing at number 12, General Mills made CRM's list as well. Coca-Cola entered the standings at number 14, while snack maker PepsiCo came in at number 25. Sara Lee, the company behind such brands as Ball Park and Jimmy Dean secured the number 27 spot on the list.

Also making the top 100: Hormel Foods – #30; Heinz – #31; Coca-Cola Enterprises – #49; and ConAgra Foods, makers of Healthy Choice, Reddi-wip, and Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn – #70.

Among retailers on the list, Target entered the list at number 42, while Wal-Mart and The TJX Companies, Inc. earned spot numbers 95 and 96, respectively. Food services companies were also recognized for their corporate social responsibility efforts. Starbucks landed at number 39 on the list, and Red Lobster/Olive Garden operator Darden Restaurants came in at number 75.

Finally, Fortune Magazine published its list of the World's Most Admired Companies, with many familiar names gracing the register. To create the standings, Fortune administered a survey to businesspeople, asking them to vote for the companies they admired most from any industry. The top 50 have been identified, and include CPG, retail, and food service companies, including:

• Coca-Cola – #6
  
• McDonald's – #10
  
• Wal-Mart Stores – #11
  
• Starbucks – #16
  
• Nordstrom – #21
  
• Target – #22
  
• PepsiCo – #26
  
• Costco Wholesale – #29
  
• Nestlé – #31
  
• Best Buy – #36
  
• Yum Brands – #44
  
• General Mills – #47
  
• Lowe's – #49

Congratulations to all the recognized companies, and be sure to check back in the coming months for additional award winners!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Has Companies Thinking Pink

October kicks off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection. To aid in this cause, numerous food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies have pledged to sponsor this worthy initiative through donations and limited edition pink products that have a portion of the proceeds benefiting breast cancer awareness foundations.

This year, a new partner is joining the fight against breast cancer, and doing it in a unique and rewarding way. During the month of October, specially marked packages of Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese will be sold in retail stores nationwide to benefit Komen for the Cure. Irish Dairy Board, Inc., makers of Kerrygold, will donate $55,000 to Komen regardless of the amount of cheese sales during the month. Kerrygold has dedicated a web page to their pink program where consumers can find ideas on how to raise funds for Komen, and will be giving away a trip to Ireland, home of Kerrygold Cheese.

Grocery stores throughout the month will be lined with pink products as companies offer a variety of specially packaged items to support breast cancer awareness, including Dove Chocolate Promises of Hope to support Susan G. Komen. Each piece of the dark chocolate candy is individually wrapped with a special inspirational promise written by a breast cancer survivor. In the past, Mars also issued pink M&M's to raise awareness. Since partnering with Komen in 2007, the company has raised more than $4 million for the Foundation.

Other candy makers have also followed suit, creating pink-packaged sweets. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is promoting specially marked pink ribbon packs of Luxe Milk bars with a sweepstakes, awarding $200 gift cards to 400 winners to use toward Cole Haan handbags, apparel, and accessories. Through December 31, consumers can submit the on-pack codes on the company's website to enter the sweepstakes. Ghirardelli will donate $50,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, plus $1 for each code, up to an additional donation of $50,000, for a maximum contribution of $100,000.

One of the more recognizable programs throughout the years has been Yoplait's Lids to Save Lives. Now in its twelfth year, the program benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For every pink lid consumers send through the end of the year, Yoplait donates 10 cents to the cause, up to $1.6 million, with a guaranteed donation of at least $500,000. Since 1998, the company has raised $25 million. Brand owner General Mills has recognized National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for the past four years with its Pink Together campaign, dedicated to spreading hope to those touched by breast cancer and raising greater awareness of the disease. This month, shoppers will be able to find products such as Cheerios, Nature Valley Granola Bars, and Progresso Soup in pink packages on store shelves.

Earlier this year, PepsiCo division Frito-Lay donated $1 million to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. SunChips multigrain snacks, Rold Gold pretzels and the Baked! line of products provided funding for educational materials and research to find cures for breast cancer. As a member of the Susan G. Komen Million Dollar Council Elite, the company has committed to invest a financial contribution of $1 million annually in the fight to end breast cancer.

Even Mike's Hard Lemonade has gotten in on the act, offering Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in memory of a company employee who lost her battle to the disease.

In addition to the CPG companies that have lent their hand to raise awareness, grocery chains are also involved with breast cancer awareness initiatives. The Kroger Company recently announced a partnership with key suppliers to donate $3 million this year. The campaign includes a store-wide sales promotion of popular items, many of which will feature exclusive, specially marked pink packaging. This year, 1,800 items, including Kroger's own products and items from partners like Kellogg's and Kraft will be marked with special pink shelf tags to highlight their participation, and will feature the stories of more than 50 breast cancer survivors.

Grocer Harris Teeter is also devoting the month of October to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All stores will be raising funds for a variety of non-profit organizations that support the fight against breast cancer, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Customers can purchase pink ribbon pastry items with five percent of the retail price going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Participating products will display a pink ribbon sticker.

Are you more likely to purchase products that support Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Leave a message and tell me why you are more or less inclined to purchase an item that supports this cause, and be sure to educate yourself and the women in your life about the importance of early detection.

Companies Doing Well by Doing Good

No matter what you call it – business ethics, corporate citizenship, corporate social performance, responsible business, social accountability, or sustainable responsible business – corporate social responsibility is an important aspect of any business model. Corporations that self-regulate their activities and work to have a positive impact on their local community, the environment, consumers, employees, and stakeholders have gone above and beyond in recent years to ensure their work is making a difference.

Earlier this year, General Mills released its 2010 Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Among the company's accomplishments:

• Improving nearly 50 percent in the nutrition profile of its products since 2005
  
• Contributing almost $91 million in philanthropic giving
  
• Introducing innovative ways to trim waste and reduce the company's environmental footprint

For their work, General Mills has received many honors, including one of the "100 Greenest Companies in America" by Newsweek Magazine and was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by the Ethisphere Institute.

Last month, PepsiCo released its 2009 Corporate Citizenship Report. The company believes in its "Performance with Purpose" motto, delivering sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and the planet and strives to bring that purpose to every aspect of its business. In 2009, PepsiCo was able to:

• Conserve more than 12 billion liters of water through efficiency improvements within operations
  
• Introduce the first fully compostable SunChips bag made with renewable plant-based materials
  
• Increase executive positions held by women globally to 30 percent
  
• Enter into a $2.5 million national two-year effort with the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation to reduce obesity, especially childhood obesity, by 2015 through the PepsiCo Foundation

Also in August, Dannon announced that it had cut its overall carbon footprint by 10 percent in 2009, just one of the company's many achievements announced in its Corporate Social Responsibility Report. For this work, the food and beverage company was recognized as one of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's top green power partners for using the most renewable electricity.

Looking ahead, Coca-Cola Enterprises is planning a "Journey to 2020" when the set of targets and goals the company released last year are met. The company inched closer to those goals, as outlined in their most recent Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report. Coca-Cola Enterprises has made strides in areas such as energy conservation and climate change, water stewardship, sustainable packaging and recycling, product portfolio/active lifestyle, diverse and inclusive culture, and stakeholder engagement.

Food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies have embraced CSR. Concern about overall positive impact on society is no longer trendy; it's the right thing to do.

What companies do you think have the best CSR campaigns? What companies do you think could be doing more? Leave a message to share your thoughts on this important topic.

Shopping for Education

For many students around the U.S., this week marks the start of the 2010-2011 school year. Many parents are doing their part to help improve their kids' schools just by going to the grocery store. For years, food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies have participated in programs that allow moms and dads to give back to education in the community.

One such initiative, Box Tops for Education, has been helping schools earn the extra cash they need for books and supplies for the past 13 years. To date, more than 90,000 schools across the nation educating students from kindergarten through eighth grade have earned $320 million through the program. Here's how it works: parents and teachers clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of participating products found in grocery stores and hand them in to their local school. Schools earn $0.10 for each Box Top redeemed to fund much-needed supplies and equipment.

Companies partnered on the project include General Mills brands like Betty Crocker, Green Giant, Hamburger Helper, Pillsbury, and Yoplait among others, as well as Land O' Lakes, Nestlé USA, and Welch's.

Recently, the refreshing fruit-flavored beverage Sunny D also announced a program to help schools in the community. With every 20 Sunny D labels, pre-kindergarten through seventh grade classrooms in the U.S. earn 20 free books through the Sunny D Book Spree. In addition, the five schools that submit the most proof of purchase stamps will each receive $2,000 worth of books; the next five top submitting schools will each receive $1,000 worth of books. In 2009, the Sunny D Book Spree gave away 84,000 free books.

Finally, the Labels for Education project has been awarding free educational equipment to schools in exchange for proofs of purchase from the Campbell family of brands for more than 37 years. According to the organization's website, more than 60,000 schools and organizations are registered with the program, benefiting more than 42 million students and providing more than $110 million in merchandise to schools around the country.

The next time you're shopping for groceries, be mindful of the stickers, logos, and tags on items supporting these promotions that benefit schools in your community. Be sure, too, to visit the websites of the organizations to learn how you can donate your labels to these worthwhile causes.

Make your voice heard! If you participate in these types of programs for your child's school, leave me a message and tell me about your experience.

School Lunches Get a Makeover

Believe it or not, school is just around the corner! As the summer comes to an end, kids around the country are buying their supplies and preparing to head back to the classroom. Students aren't the only ones, though, getting ready for hard work. All summer long, lunch ladies and cafeteria workers have been learning how to prepare healthy, nutritious meals and will put their knowledge to the test when school starts.

In June, hundreds of chefs from across the nation gathered on the South Lawn of the White House in support of the "Chefs Move to Schools" program, part of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign to end childhood obesity. The program is intended to leverage the momentum of Let's Move! to focus on the positive impact chefs can have on schools in their communities.

"Chefs Move to Schools" is led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and pairs chefs with participating schools in their communities to create healthy meals that meet the schools' dietary guidelines and budgets, and to teach young people about nutrition and making balanced, healthy choices.

Supporters of the movement include companies like ConAgra Foods, The Campbell Soup Company, and Delaware North Companies.

To find if your school district is participating in the program, visit the crusade's website.

As class gets underway, drop me a line and let me know if the schools in your community are active in this initiative.

Refresh Everything

In December 2009, PepsiCo made a rather controversial decision when it decided to skip Super Bowl advertising to focus on cause marketing. Since the start of 2010, the company has "refreshed everything," launching the Pepsi Refresh Project, giving away millions of dollars in grants to build individuals and communities.

Here's how it works:

• People, businesses, and non-profit organizations submit ideas that they believe will have a positive impact on their communities. Anyone can submit an idea, and the company accepts up to 1,000 applications each month.
  
• Consumers are asked to vote for causes they like. They can vote for up to 10 ideas every day.
  
• At the end of the month, the chosen applicants to receive grants are announced. Applicants not chosen are encouraged to apply again, and the whole process starts over again.

Each month, the Pepsi Refresh Project awards numerous grants of different sizes. Up to 10 individual awardees are selected every month to receive $5,000 to unleash their inspired ideas. Another group of up to 10 individuals and small groups receive $25,000 to implement their initiatives within the community. $50,000 is awarded to up to 10 companies and organizations that can make a difference with their proposal. Finally, up to two organizations are granted $250,000 to dedicate a large amount of time and resources to their plan.

For the month of August, the Pepsi Refresh Project committed an additional $1.3 million to its $20 million campaign to "do good" for the Gulf and fund ideas that will support the communities hit hardest by the BP oil spill.

PepsiCo has teamed with the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and The Today Show to spread the word and subsidize ideas that make the world a better place.

So far, grant recipients include The American Legion of Indianapolis, Indiana, who are using their $250,000 grant to provide comfort items for U.S. military troops recovering from wounds; The Economic Empowerment Initiative of Atlanta, Georgia, which received a $50,000 grant to provide financial literacy seminars for high school and college students; and Because We Are Sisters of Richmond, Virginia, that will use their $5,000 grant to support seven families in need as they prepare for the arrival of a baby, among others in the past months. Check out these videos featuring inspirational grant recipients:








Along with partners GOOD, DoSomething.org, City Year, and GlobalGiving, the Pepsi Refresh Project is making a difference in communities across the country.

Every Pepsi refreshes the world. Drink your Pepsi and vote for your favorite project at www.refresheverything.com!

Do you love this campaign as much as I do? Leave me a message with your thoughts (good or bad!) and definitely let me know if your community has been "refreshed" by this innovative campaign.

Companies with a Conscience

In April, the Ethisphere Institute released its list of the World's Most Ethical Companies. According to the organization, "the designation recognizes companies that go beyond making statements about doing business ethically and translate those words into action." Companies awarded the designation lead the way in the ethical practices and compliance programs.

Although the Ethisphere Institute does not create the registry with a specific number of slots in mind, the 2010 list encompasses 100 companies in a variety of industries. This year, 26 companies are new to the list, while 24 companies from last year's list are absent in the current edition, mainly from increased competition.

To make the list, companies submitted applications throughout the year for consideration by a methodology committee comprised of attorneys, professors, government officials, and organization leaders. Semi-finalists received an in-depth survey regarding ethics, compliance, governance, and corporate social responsibility. Upon data verification, the Ethisphere Institute assigned each company scores in seven categories:

• Corporate citizenship and responsibility
  
• Corporate governance
  
• Innovation that contributes to public well being
  
• Industry leadership
  
• Executive leadership and tone from the top
  
• Legal, regulatory, and reputation track record
  
• Internal systems and ethics/compliance program

Campbell Soup Company, General Mills, and PepsiCo were among the food and beverage companies on the list. Food stores Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Whole Foods Market also made the list, as well as specialty retailers Best Buy, Gap, IKEA, and Target. Starbucks was the only restaurant/café to earn a spot the list.

To learn more about the report, download the 2010 Ethisphere Media Responsibility PDF.

What about you? Are you more inclined to purchase goods and services from businesses that are recognized for their ethical or corporate social responsibility practices? Leave a message and tell me about your shopping preferences.