As part of PepsiCo’s ongoing efforts to support and elevate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), the soft drink giant is donating $250,000 in grants towards tackling food insecurity as the student attendance rates at these institutions continue to rise.

Beginning with five HBCUs that will receive $50,000 each, the Pepsi parent company will kick off its campaign at Morgan State University, Prairie View A&M University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University and Bethune-Cookman University. The initial donations handed out during key campus events in November are part of PepsiCo’s larger HBCU Tour to support HBCU students and celebrate the legacy of these universities.

“This year, our HBCU Tour continues to celebrate each universities’ rich culture and recognize the wealth of talent on campus, while also addressing the barriers students can face in completing their education,” said Kent Montgomery, senior vice presi- dent of industry relations and multicultural development, PepsiCo. “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.”

Across the five campuses, the grants will go to support more than 37,500 students facing food insecurity by funding on- campus food pantry supplies and groceries, meal plans for homeless students, work- shops for cooking and meal prep, stipends for student staff within the pantries, and more. In addition, PepsiCo will also supply free meals for approximately 2,000 students at select universities during their respective winter finals weeks in December.

The HBCUs selected will take differ- ent approaches to remove the burden of where students’ next meal is coming from and return the focus to their education.

The funds will support existing on-campus efforts, from expanding food pantry capaci- ties to arming students with the long-term skills to avoid pitfalls of food insecurity in the future.

Tailored to each university’s needs, the donation from PepsiCo is designed to support each campus’s unique efforts to help students who struggle to balance the cost of their education and their next meal. With the rate of food insecurity among college students growing nationally, those at HBCUs are historically impacted the most. According to data released this year from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, almost 40% of HBCU students report being food insecure, a stat that carries more weight as many campuses encounter record attendance rates this semester.

In addition to bringing engaging experiences to students and alumni this football season, PepsiCo plans to support students throughout the semester with recruiting efforts including on-campus events, inti- mate dinners highlighting local businesses, and the opportunity to engage with PepsiCo leadership– inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.