SHANGHAI, China – Yum China Holdings, Inc. announced that KFC China has hosted its latest Public Welfare Awareness Event in Hangzhou. At the event, KFC China announced the expansion of several corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that cover a wide range of areas, including supporting the disadvantaged, preserving the environment and reducing food waste.
KFC China’s first Goodwill Ambassador, Olympic Champion Guo Jingjing, also attended the event.
“Giving back to society is deeply embedded in our culture. We actively support causes that can have positive impact on the communities we serve,” said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. “We aim to create an effective platform that inspires people to come together with a shared purpose and make a difference in our community.”
Warton Wang, General Manager of KFC China, added, “KFC China will continue leveraging its extensive restaurant network to further its social responsibility initiatives, with a particular focus on supporting the disadvantaged, promoting sustainability and climate action, as well as advocating for healthy lifestyles.”
At the event, KFC China announced the following expanded CSR initiatives:
- As a joint effort between KFC China and the China Children and Teenagers’ Fund, the “KFC Little Migratory Bird Fund” will undergo significant enhancements, aiming to expand the fund’s support for underprivileged children who face challenges such as poverty and disabilities. Since 2016, the fund has been promoting the physical and mental development of left-behind children through reading, sports, and arts activities across the country. KFC China also shared that it aims to provide financial assistance to 1,000 children and organize 200 caring and companionship activities by the end of 2024.
- KFC China launched a reusable serving basket made from KFC’s coffee grounds to promote climate action. The baskets will initially be rolled out at 1,500 KFC restaurants in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, before being progressively introduced at restaurants nationwide. In addition, KFC China is committed to introducing more carbon neutral products through forest planting initiatives in key areas to support environment protection and restoration.
- KFC China will expand its Food Bank Program, which distributes free surplus food from its stores. The program is set to be expanded to more than 700 stores in over 100 cities by the end of 2023, doubling that from 2022. The program reduces food waste and GHG emissions.
- KFC China unveiled a new “Angel Restaurant” in Hangzhou, the host city for the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games. KFC China will select outstanding “Angel Employees” from its “Angel Restaurants” to form a special service team for the Asian Games. The “Angel Restaurants” initiative creates a welcoming and inclusive workplace for people with special needs. As of the end of June 2023, KFC China has 36 “Angel Restaurants” in 32 cities, employing over 200 individuals with special needs each year. These restaurants are equipped with upgraded visual devices, and custom visual learning materials to enhance work environment of “Angel Employees”.
Since entering mainland China 36 years ago, KFC China has remained steadfast in its commitment to social responsibility.
With a network of over 9,200 stores across 1,800 cities, KFC China strives to utilize its extensive reach as a powerful engagement platform that brings people together in supporting the disadvantaged, protecting the environment and fostering a more caring society.
