Supporting Access to Healthy Meals

Mars has donated an impressive 33 million meals to individuals in need around the world since 2021, surpassing its target of 25 million meals by 2025. In response to the persistent issue of food poverty, the company has actively formed strategic and impactful partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that food and support reach those who need it most.

In the United States, Ben’s Original™ has been a stalwart supporter of the No Kid Hungry campaign, providing 2.5 million meals to children in need throughout the United States in 2022.

In Australia, Mars Food & Nutrition has established a Collaborative Supply Program with Foodbank Australia, addressing the challenge of maintaining a consistent supply chain of food products to those in need. In its third year, this partnership is helping Mars Food & Nutrition Australia work toward its goal of delivering 3 million meals to people in need in 2023.

In the UK, Mars Food & Nutrition has partnered with the Trussell Trust for the past four years, contributing to the Stand Against Hunger campaign. This initiative supports a network of over 1,300 food banks across the UK, assisting communities facing hunger.

Promoting Nutritious Meals

Mars delivered a staggering 4.7 billion healthy meals in 2022, an increase from 4.3 billion in 2021, as it works towards the target of providing 5.5 billion healthy meals annually by 2025. This includes 1.7 billion servings of vegetables and a remarkable 32% increase in fibre servings, achieved through reformulation efforts and product innovation. This progress aligns well with the aim of reaching 4 billion servings of vegetables and surpassing the 30% fibre increase target by 2025.

Sustainability Initiatives

Mars is making substantial strides towards achieving its goal of reaching net zero by 2050 and reducing unsustainable water use by 50% by 2025. Collaborating with its suppliers, Mars is pioneering climate-smart rice farming practices, such as the “alternate wetting and drying” watering technique. Depending on the context, these practices have shown significant reductions in water use, up to 30%, and greenhouse gas reductions ranging from 25% to 70%, all without compromising rice yields.

Furthermore, Mars Food & Nutrition is committed to sustainability in packaging, with 89% of its packaging now being reusable, recyclable, or compostable. It is actively working towards achieving 100% sustainability across its portfolio.

Using Brands for Positive Action

Mars Food & Nutrition is harnessing its brands for positive change. The BEN’S ORIGINAL™ SEAT AT THE TABLE™ fund is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to increase diversity in the food industry through scholarships and training.

The Tasty Bite Foundation has collaborated with organizations such as the Agricultural Development Trust, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Baramati, and the American India Foundation Trust New Delhi, initiating projects focused on agricultural development and better livelihoods near the Tasty Bite factory in Pune, India.

In conclusion, Mars Food & Nutrition’s progress is a testament to its commitment to providing healthy, accessible, and sustainable meals while actively addressing pressing issues such as food poverty and environmental sustainability. With continued collaboration and dedication, Mars aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of billions around the world.

Shaid Shah, Global President of Mars Food & Nutrition, sums it up, “Food is a source of wellbeing and a connector of people. It nourishes our bodies and brings us together. I believe everyone should have access to healthy and nutritious food, and that it should be sourced as sustainably as possible. That’s why I am proud of the progress we, at Mars Food & Nutrition, have made towards our mission of providing healthy, easy, tasty, and accessible everyday meals and delivering the Mars sustainability commitments. I want to thank our amazing partners and Associates. There is more to do, but together we can make a meaningful difference to the lives of billions of people around the world.”

For more information on Mars Food & Nutrition’s progress on its purpose commitments, please visit www.mars.com/our-brands/mars-food-nutrition