Dollar General, Vons, Albertsons and HEB are all participating in the effort.
Six months after the coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a halt, communities across the U.S. continue to struggle. This week, Unilever announced that it will extend its United for America initiative to provide a new round of support to 10 U.S. cities for those most in need, including Black and Hispanic populations.
The second phase of the initiative will tackle "the education gap, access to food and essential supplies and the She-Cession," according to a press release. "She-Cession" refers to women and women-owned businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Unilever, the parent company of brands like Love Beauty and Planet and Talenti Gelato, will work with local non-profit organizations and retailers that will contribute "computers and data plans, donations to local food banks, and financial support to community organizations."
Companies participating include Dollar General, Vons, Albertsons, HEB and more. In addition, Unilever will donate $5 million in goods and services from now until the end of the year, bringing the total to $25 million donated since March.
"The pandemic continues to take a toll on education, jobs, and access to food," said Fabian Garcia, president of Unilever North America, in a press release. "At Unilever, we feel it is our responsibility to do all we can to help struggling communities who are feeling this most. We know that we are stronger together, so we’re proud to unite with some of our largest retail partners across the country to help create more impact."
Unilever will begin their outreach by supporting Boys & Girls Clubs and other local NGOs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Southern California. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has affected in-person learning, and Unilever hopes to provide relief with funding for computers, technology resources, and educational supplies. Additionally, the organization will focus on food and supply donations in Atlanta, Cincinnati, the Carolinas, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City and Philadelphia.
Lastly, in order to address the She-Cession, Unilever will work alongside Luminary, a women-focused community space that empowers professional women to succeed in business. Entrepreneurs will receive resources needed to pivot and continue growing while maintaining employed workers. There will also be 250 annual fellowships given to women-owned businesses, with at least half of them going to women of color.
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