Unilever Partners With Retailers Across the U.S. to Combat Ongoing Social Issues Exacerbated by the Pandemic

As part of its United for America initiative, Unilever today announced it will work with major retailers to help struggling communities in U.S. cities tackle three urgent challenges facing Americans during the pandemic: the education gap, access to food and essential supplies and the She-Cession.

Six months into the pandemic, the needs have never been greater. Unilever is making good on its long-term commitment to serve essential organizations and the individuals, families and vulnerable populations affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with a new round of support and a new approach that includes a focus on working with retailers and local NGOs to help communities most in need.

United for America will contribute an additional $5 million in goods and services from September through the end of the year. This brings the total of goods and services donated to $25 million since the United for America initiative was launched in March.

“The pandemic continues to take a toll on education, jobs and access to food. 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,” said Fabian Garcia, president of Unilever North America.

Retailers such as Dollar General, Vons, Pavillions, Albertsons, HEB and others, are partnering with Unilever, and will contribute a range of items including computers and data plans, donations to local food banks, and financial support to community organizations.

In addition, United for America will partner with Luminary, a global collaboration hub and community that empowers professional women to develop the skills they need to succeed in business. This partnership will provide 250 annual fellowships to women-owned businesses, with at least 50 percent of fellowships going to businesses owned by women of color.

Action Being Taken in Priority Areas of Focus:
Unilever, along with a group of leading retail and nonprofit partners, will support 10 U.S. communities, including Houston, Minneapolis, Fort Wayne, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Detroit, the Carolinas, and New York City, with a focus on supporting communities with vulnerable populations, including cash-strapped families, women-owned businesses, and Black and Hispanic populations.