Latino U College Access Receives PepsiCo Foundation’s Smiles in Action Award
Latino U College Access (LUCA) is proud to announce that it was recognized with a Smiles in Action Award from the PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP), one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies. The program is part of the company’s efforts to support local communities by providing resources for valuable programming, such as LUCA’s programs that empower low-income, first-generation Latino students on their journeys to and through college.
LUCA is one of twenty-two 501c3 public charities and organizations across the country to be identified as an award winner. Through strategic partnerships, such as the Smiles in Action Award, the PepsiCo Foundation seeks to tackle the long-term challenges facing the global food system and do the most good for the most people, with awards focusing on: increasing positive nutrition; spurring prosperity for women and girls; having a positive water impact; and, increasing sustainability efforts.
“Latino U College Access is extremely grateful for the generous support from the PepsiCo Foundation and for our ongoing partnership with PepsiCo,” said Cosette Gutierrez, Executive Director of LUCA. “When we think about organizations that align well with our mission, PepsiCo is always high on the list. We are thrilled to have them as part of our LUCA Familia!”
When the devastating impact of COVD-19 on communities around the world became clear, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation provided vital support in response to the unprecedented crisis. The grant announced today provides funding for local organizations that are able to have an immediate, direct impact on their communities.
“We look up to the community organizations across America that work tirelessly every day to ensure their neighbors thrive,” said C.D. Glin, vice president of the PepsiCo Foundation and global head of philanthropy. “PepsiCo has a long history of working with local partners to invest in communities where our consumers and employees live and work, and we’re proud to support these organizations in making lasting change.”
About The PepsiCo Foundation
Established in 1962, The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with nonprofits and experts around the globe, we’re focused on helping alleviate hunger, managing water and waste responsibly and supporting women as champions of nutrition from farm to family. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to affect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance. Learn more at www.pepsico.com/sustainability/philanthropy.