(PRESS RELEASE) This holiday season, it is estimated that one in four children in America may go hungry — a startling statistic made even graver due to the pandemic’s impact. With this harsh reality in mind, Dole Packaged Foods announced its #UnstuffedBears campaign, an effort to drive awareness of the growing hunger gap, raise funds and donate nutritional foods that will help those in need this season. This is a key action in the brand’s commitment to “The Dole Promise” of providing access to sustainable nutrition for 1 billion people by 2025.
“According to the UN World Food Programme, the impact of COVID-19 may double the number of people suffering from acute hunger. This exacerbated food insecurity crisis is acutely affecting children around the globe and in our own backyards,” said Pier Luigi Sigismondi, worldwide president, Dole Packaged Foods. “Acting on our Promise to bring food and support to those in need, as well as raising awareness of this growing crisis, is at the center of this campaign. And this is just one of many steps we are taking to make a change for the better.”
The campaign comes to life through impactful imagery of a universal childhood icon: the teddy bear and will reach consumers through online video, display, and social media throughout the holiday season. Dependent on market, those wanting to help can stuff the bear either through a donation here or with purchase of select Dole Packaged Foods products on some eComm channels, where profits on these purchases go towards food security charities.
Four bears are featured in the campaign with three bears depicted with an abundance of delicious foods and the plump bellies we have come to love. However, one bear appears tattered and alone on the stairs with an “unstuffed” tummy to show the impact hunger can have on a child’s health and livelihood. But with the campaign’s support, and Dole’s partnership with multiple charities around the globe, consumers can help to feed these #UnstuffedBears — and in turn children in need — to make a significant impact this holiday season.
The #UnstuffedBears campaign — which kicked off today in Europe and the US, with Asia launching next week — is one of many actions the brand has planned in support of “The Dole Promise,” which was introduced in July of this year and aims to bring interdependent prosperity to people and the planet.