The PepsiCo Foundation is donating $1 million in grants to relief agencies and 350,000 meals to communities impacted by Hurricane Florence.

The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, is giving two $500,000 grants to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, respectively, to provide vital relief resources. Recognizing the need for sustained support, The Foundation's signature nutrition operation Food for Good will provide at least 350,000 nutritious meals to families in affected areas.

With deep roots in the area and more than 16,000 direct employees throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia, PepsiCo is prepared to help local authorities and disaster relief agencies marshal additional necessary resources to address immediate needs. The PepsiCo Foundation's relief support will be directed to affected communities including New Bern, North Carolina, the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola.

"Our focus is on ensuring that relief agencies have the resources they need to help those impacted by Hurricane Florence," said Jon Banner, President, PepsiCo Foundation and EVP, Communications. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, frontline responders and rescue workers in the Southeast. The PepsiCo team will help families in the path of this storm and be there to support communities in its aftermath."

PepsiCo will continue to monitor the situation closely and will engage with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and other partners as the immediate and long-term needs of these communities become clearer. The PepsiCo Foundation has a longstanding history of community relief efforts and is a member of the American Red Cross' Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), granting at least $500,000 annually to ensure the Red Cross can pre-position supplies, secure shelters, maintain vehicles, train volunteers and prepare for future disasters.