SHANGHAI, China – Yum China Holdings, Inc. held a series of corporate citizenship initiatives under the theme of “Million Thanks, Million Gifts” to express gratitude to medical workers nationwide that have supported the COVID-19 response in Shanghai. As the largest restaurant company in China, Yum China is committed to leveraging its scale and expertise to support communities in Shanghai and across the country.
On May 1st, to honor International Labor Day, Yum China contributed, out of its limited supply, hundreds of free meals, including fried chicken, pizza, sandwiches and coffee to medical workers in four makeshift hospitals in Shanghai.
In addition, as a token of appreciation for their selfless service, the Company has prepared over 30,000 care packages to be distributed to medical workers nationwide when they return to their home from Shanghai. The packages include ready meal products such as fried rice, steak, and beef patty from KFC and Pizza Hut’s packaged food selections.
“As we are facing unprecedented challenges from the most severe outbreak since early 2020, we are extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of medical workers and volunteers during this difficult time. We hope that our convenient and delicious food can bring them some additional comfort.” said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China.
“In addition to supporting medical workers, Yum China’s volunteers come together across brands and functions to continue serving communities in need. Their tremendous efforts embody our mission to serve the communities we operate in.”
Yum China was one of the first authorized essential service suppliers to serve communities during the latest outbreak in Shanghai. The Company’s brands have been supplying food and drinks to medical workers and volunteers.
Notably, despite limited restaurant service capacity, since early April KFC has provided over 3,000 breakfasts every day to frontline medical workers and Lavazza has also been providing coffee and sandwiches to frontline medical workers.
Meanwhile, as part of Yum China’s efforts to care for the community, the Company has collaborated with charity foundations and NGOs to provide 7,000 elderly people living alone with sufficient ready meal products to last several days. KFC has also donated children’s books to quarantine centers.
“On International Labor Day, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all medical workers from several regions across China supporting Shanghai during these difficult times,” said Alice Wang, Chief Public Affairs Officer of Yum China, who oversaw the event. “We are humbled by their sacrifices, dedication, and unwavering efforts throughout the pandemic. We hope they and their families can enjoy these packages together when they return home.”
Since entering China 35 years ago, Yum China has been actively fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities, including serving and supporting communities. Since COVID-19 first emerged in early 2020, Yum China’s employee volunteers have been active in supporting communities, delivering over a million free meals to communities across the country.
