PepsiCo’s $250,000 Donation to Combat Food Insecurity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

By Denver Jackson

As a part of PepsiCo’s ongoing commitment to uplift and bolster Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the company is proud to announce the allocation of $250,000 in grants aimed at addressing the issue of food insecurity on HBCU campuses. This initiative comes as student enrollment at these institutions continues to rise. Five distinguished universities will each receive a grant of $50,000, commencing with Morgan State University and Prairie View A&M University this weekend, and extending to Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, and Bethune-Cookman University.

Tailored to the unique needs of each university, PepsiCo’s donation is designed to assist in addressing the challenges faced by students who struggle to balance the costs of their education with meeting their nutritional needs. As the prevalence of food insecurity among college students continues to grow nationwide, HBCU students are historically among the most affected. Data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, released this year, reveals that nearly 40% of HBCU students report experiencing food insecurity, a statistic that carries significant weight as many HBCU campuses witness record-breaking enrollment this semester.

The selected universities employ diverse strategies to alleviate the burden of students wondering where their next meal will come from, redirecting their focus to their education. The funds provided will support existing on-campus initiatives, which range from expanding food pantry capacities to equipping students with the essential skills to overcome food insecurity challenges in the long term.

Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Multicultural Development at PepsiCo, expressed, “As a longtime supporter of HBCUs, PepsiCo has always aimed to help students thrive, both on campus and beyond. This year, our HBCU Tour continues to celebrate each university’s rich culture and recognize the wealth of talent on campus, while also addressing the barriers students can face in completing their education. Our donation to tackle food insecurity is another example of our commitment to empower students and ensure their success in every aspect of their educational journey.”

These grants will reach across the five campuses to support more than 37,500 students grappling with food insecurity. The funding will go towards supplying on-campus food pantry essentials and groceries, providing meal plans for homeless students, offering workshops for cooking and meal preparation, providing stipends for student staff within the pantries, and more. Furthermore, PepsiCo will also provide complimentary meals to approximately 2,000 students at select universities during their respective winter finals weeks in December.

These funds will be distributed to Prairie View A&M University, Florida A&M University, Morgan State University, Jackson State University, and Bethune-Cookman University during significant university events throughout November, including the SWAC and Florida Classic games on November 18.

This donation is part of PepsiCo’s broader HBCU Tour, which is dedicated to supporting HBCU students and celebrating the enduring legacy of these universities. Fueled by Pepsi Zero Sugar and Doritos SOLID BLACK, the tour aligns with the brands’ ongoing initiatives to provide resources and a platform for promoting Change Makers in local communities. In addition to delivering authentic and engaging experiences to students and alumni during this football season, they will continue to support students throughout the semester with recruitment efforts, including on-campus events, intimate dinners showcasing local businesses, and opportunities to engage with PepsiCo leadership, thereby inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.