TRISCUIT, a Mondelēz International brand, is launching a new project to increase access for fresh foods in food deserts. The Missing Ingredients Project is the brand’s $1 million commitment in grant funding to support individuals and non-profit organizations who are developing innovative ways to advance access to food across the United States.
"The TRISCUIT brand has always been committed to weaving more nourishment into the world, and right now, millions of people live in areas where they cannot find essential nourishing ingredients needed for a balanced diet, only been made worse by the pandemic," said Sally Barton, Senior Brand Manager, Mondelēz International. "It's a crisis that demands our attention, and as a brand, we knew we had to take action."
Starting in early 2021, the brand will invite local nonprofits to apply for one of 20 $50,000 grants to help fuel and fortify their work. The Missing Ingredients Project will award six grants in 2021 and the remaining 14 grants be awarded in 2022 and 2023.
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TRISCUIT is also launching a digital and out-of-home campaign featuring arresting visuals in the form of iconic "missing posters" that highlight the reality millions of Americans face, a press release explained. The brand will also be partnering with James Beard award-winning New Orleans chef, Nina Compton, and L.A. based chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality, Ludo Lefebvre, to raise awareness of the issue.
"Access to fresh and healthy food is something many of us, including myself, take for granted," said Compton. "In New Orleans, COVID has compounded the problem of missing food, and we need brands like TRISCUIT to work toward a solution."
Ludo Lefebvre added that, "The issue of food deserts doesn't get the attention it deserves. As a Los Angeles-based chef, I know people in my community—my neighbors, colleagues, friends, and my children's classmates—who do not have access to a very basic need of affordable, healthy food, and I am pleased to partner with brands like TRISCUIT that are helping to improve access."
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