Electrolux launches Food Foundation to address world hunger, food waste

Swedish appliance-maker Electrolux, which has its North American headquarters in Charlotte, said Monday it is launching a number of initiatives to help support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

As a first step, the company will spend nearly $1.2 million to launch its Electrolux Food Foundation, according to a statement. Its goal is to address challenges like hunger, poor nutrition, food waste and responsible consumption.

The first initiative that the foundation will support, Electrolux said, is a partnership called “Feed the Planet” with Worldchefs and AIESEC, a global nonprofit that encourages youth participation in implementing UN sustainable development goals by managing projects on the ground.

To highlight the investment, Electrolux will deliver 2,500 backpacks filled with food to Second Harvest this Thursday, a spokeswoman said. Second Harvest will distribute them through their Backpack Program to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

“Feeding the world’s growing population in a sustainable way is one of the greatest challenges of our time. We believe Electrolux, as a world-leader in kitchen appliances, has a responsibility and opportunity to contribute on issues related to cooking and food consumption,” said Jonas Samuelson, Electrolux’s president and CEO.

The company noted how food is a major factor in climate change, so the focus on food complements Electrolux’s goal to halve its carbon emissions by 2020.

Electrolux employs about 850 people at its North American headquarters in the University City area.

This story was originally published September 12, 2016 at 9:50 AM with the headline "Electrolux launches Food Foundation to address world hunger, food waste."