Making a Difference for Society

Helping to Create Stronger Communities
Employee volunteerism has long been a part of the Heinz heritage. We encourage employees to support charitable organizations through many programs and widespread campaigns that the Company supports including the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign, United Way, and special events such as the Heart Walk, which benefits the American Heart Association, and the Memory Walk, which benefits the Alzheimer's Association.

Heinz employees often lend helping hands to
public service projects. Pictured above:
Stephanie Bennett, Brandi Swedinovich,
Tammy Aupperle and Mike Yeomans.

The Foundation oversees a volunteer group called Heinz HELPS, which stands for Heinz Employees Lending Public Service. Heinz HELPS facilitates employee involvement and participation through a grass-roots approach. The program uses an internal Web site that enables employees to collaborate on projects and coordinate volunteer walks and programs.

In the United States, Heinz employees who volunteer 50 hours of their time in a fiscal year to help non-profit organizations are recognized with Heinz HELPS award grants. Grants of $250 are donated to the organization to which the employee volunteers.

The Foundation also offers a Gift Matching Program that matches contributions from employees and directors up to $5,000 to non-profit organizations. Over the past two fiscal years, $740,000 was contributed through this program.

Outside the U.S., Heinz maintains charitable foundations in Australia, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg), and the United Kingdom.

Our Australia Foundation donates $80,000 (AUD) per year. The Heinz Foundation Benelux donates ¤35,000 (EUR) each year. The Heinz Charitable Trust in the United Kingdom donates approximately £130,000 (GBP) per year. Around the globe, Heinz employees also are active in volunteering. In Canada, we raise funds each year for the United Way through events such as the 57 Challenge Fun Run. In Australia, each Heinz site has a Help@Hand committee that works with staff to raise funds for local community projects.

Our Company’s focus on being a community partner also extends to playing an active role in supporting public policies that promote product quality and safety, environmental responsibility, nutrition, and health and wellness. In cases where Heinz reaches difficult but necessary business decisions to relocate or consolidate manufacturing operations, we strive to make the transition as smooth as possible for affected communities. Heinz maintains an open dialogue with government and community leaders, and we keep people informed throughout the process. We are sensitive to the concerns of the community, and we take that into account when considering strategic business options.

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