At General Mills, we're committed to doing everything we can during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food to people who need it worldwide. And our most important priority is the safety of our employees and our food. 

It’s also important to help those who depend on charities and food banks. 

The General Mills Foundation is donating US $5 million in charitable gifts to ensure the most vulnerable children have access to meals amid school and community program closures.

These gifts include the foundation’s previous philanthropic grants spanning Asia, Europe, Australia, Latin America and North America to increase food bank capacity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and supplement the $20 million in cash given by General Mills and its foundation last year and more than $40 million worth of food product donations provided by General Mills to food bank partners to help ensure food security across global communities.

Additionally, the foundation will support strategic community partners near General Mills manufacturing plants, to ensure they are better equipped to face the challenging demands of today and the days ahead.

$5 million "manufacture to donate" initiative 

General Mills also has announced a “manufacture to donate” initiative that will provide $5 million worth of food - including whole grain cereals, waffles and granola bars - for Feeding America to distribute within its network of 200 food banks.  

Our primary focus is on food, because it’s more vital than ever. With schools closed, with restaurants closed (or only offering limited hours for takeout/delivery), and as job losses grow and grocery store shelves run low, it’s critical that we help those who may wonder where they will find their next meal. 

If you can help, please consider donating to food banks or other hunger-fighting charities in your area. 

Supporting our employees and communities

We've also announced new ways to show continued support for our employees and communities: 

• A paid community service program for Minneapolis, Minnesota-based employees to redirect their work hours to serving hunger-relief nonprofits  

• An opportunity for corporate employees to temporarily work at our manufacturing plants
• An additional $500 match from the General Mills Foundation for employees who participate in the company’s charitable gift matching program  
• Enhanced benefits for plant employees

Supporting the restaurant industry  

General Mills Foodservice made a $100,000 donation to the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (RERF) to help restaurant workers facing hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis. Our donation, and all money raised by RERF, will go directly to impacted restaurant workers who have lost their jobs. 

Thank you

We're devoted to working alongside our partners in communities around the world, and with our employees, customers and consumers. 

We thank you for your business and support.