An estimated one in three people globally do not know where their next meal will come from, due to poverty, conflict, inefficient food systems and climate change. Through thousands of hotels in more than 100 countries, IHG has long supported efforts to improve food security, as well as contributing to disaster relief efforts and providing vocational training. This work is part of the company’s commitment to improve the lives of 30 million people through its Journey to Tomorrow plan.
Action Against Hunger has been tackling hunger for decades with its world-renowned screening, treatment and support programme, delivering aid across East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Europe. IHG will support and fund some of the partnership’s nutrition programmes, focusing on initiatives specifically designed to detect the early signs of malnutrition in children and provide life-saving treatment through local community outreach programmes. IHG will also seek to raise awareness of the issue among millions of guests around the world and give them the opportunity to donate IHG One Rewards points to the cause. For example, with every 10,000 points donated, approximately 124 children at risk of malnutrition will be screened. An average of 7,500 points can keep a child fed for six weeks and help them get back to health.
Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer of IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Food is at the heart of our hotels and hospitality, nourishing people and communities. Unfortunately, despite producing enough to feed everyone on the planet, we know it remains a scarce commodity for millions of people around the world. It’s a problem that can be solved if societies, organisations and businesses work together. IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to partner with Action Against Hunger in their life-saving work. This partnership adds to the many other long-standing partnerships we have with amazing charities in the markets we operate in. We want to help drive lasting change towards a world where people are fed, welcomed and respected.”
Ashwini Kakkar, President of the International Hunger Action Network, said: “While it is a pervasive problem, for the first time in human history we have the power to end chronic hunger for all, forever. Realising this vision will require bold action, and we are grateful for IHG’s will, wisdom and leadership in advancing this vital cause. Hunger makes it difficult for hundreds of millions of people around the world to learn, work, dream and fulfil their potential. IHG’s generous support will help advance our work to create a world where all lives are well fed.”
As part of IHG’s purpose of delivering “Genuine Hospitality, Always,” this collaboration will complement the other efforts IHG and its hotels have underway in many local markets that together aim to strengthen the food system in a community, from providing training and tools to reduce food waste to diverting surplus food to those in need. IHG’s existing partnerships focused on food certainty include local food banks, No Kid Hungry in the US, OzHarvest in Australia and Too Good To Go in Europe.
This new initiative follows two recent announcements by IHG in the area of responsible business: Low Carbon Pioneers, a growing group of properties that will promote and disseminate sustainable practices and operating models to reduce the carbon footprint, and Vision 2045, a collaboration with the UN that highlights, through a docuseries, the importance of cooperation between key players in value chains to achieve sustainability and resource management goals. These actions reinforce IHG Hotels & Resorts' commitment to a more equitable and environmentally responsible future.
Fuente: IHG Hotels & Resorts.