IHG HOTELS & RESORTS recently entered a multi-year partnership with global NGO Action Against Hunger to address food insecurity and hunger affecting millions globally. The collaboration will support the NGO’s efforts to prevent, detect and treat malnutrition in children through its “screen, treat and sustain” program operating across multiple continents, IHG said in a statement.
IHG, operating thousands of hotels in more than 100 countries, supports food security, disaster relief and skills training, pledging to improve 30 million lives in its “Journey to Tomorrow” plan.
“Food sits at the heart of our hotels and hospitality, nourishing people and communities, and yet sadly we know it remains in desperately short supply for millions of people, despite enough being produced to feed everyone on the planet,” said Elie Maalouf, IHG’s CEO. “This is a problem the world can solve if societies, organizations and businesses work together. IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to partner with Action Against Hunger on their life saving work, in addition to the many other long-standing partnerships we have with incredible charities in local markets. Collectively we want to help create lasting change in a world where people are nourished, always welcome, and always respected.”
The company aims to use its global guest network to raise awareness and encourage donations through the IHG One Rewards points system, effective immediately, the statement said. For example, 10,000 points can screen about 124 children for malnutrition, and 7,500 points can provide nutritious food for a malnourished child for six weeks.
The initiative will enhance IHG’s efforts to strengthen community food systems in line with its mission to deliver “True Hospitality for Good”. The company is collaborating with local food banks like No Kid Hungry in the US, OzHarvest in Australia, and Too Good To Go in Europe to reduce food waste and redirect surplus food to those in need.
“While hunger is a widespread challenge, for the first time in human history, we have the ability to end chronic hunger for everyone, for good,” said Ashwini Kakkar, Action Against Hunger International Network’s chairman. “Realizing that vision will take bold action and we are grateful for IHG’s will, wisdom and leadership in advancing this vital cause. Hunger makes it harder for hundreds of millions of people around the world to learn, work, dream and realize their full potential. IHG’s generous support will help advance our work to create a world where every life is well nourished.”
The NGO has prevented, detected and treated hunger through its screen, treat and sustain program for decades, aiding regions in East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Europe.
In July, IHG launched the “Low Carbon Pioneers” program for energy-efficient hotels using renewable energy and no on-site fossil fuels. This community will help IHG test, learn, and share sustainability findings to inspire other properties and promote carbon reduction across its portfolio.
