Pfizer Celebrates 5 Million Meals Packaged With Rise Against Hunger Since 2010
Editor’s Note: Pfizer has been a pivotal partner in the work to end global hunger for 14 years and recently reached the incredible milestone of 5 million meals packaged with Rise Against Hunger. These meals have nourished thousands of lives since 2010. In recognition of this impactful milestone, we spoke with Dezarie N. Mayers, Director, Colleague Engagement Programs at Pfizer, about Rise Against Hunger and Pfizer’s partnership, why Pfizer chose to package 1 million meals in 2024 as part of their 175th anniversary and why helping to end hunger is important to Pfizer. Check out what Dezarie had to say below!
Q: Pfizer has packaged 5 million meals with Rise Against Hunger since 2010. What does our partnership mean to Pfizer?
I’m proud of Pfizer’s long-standing global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. The work that we do together to pack meals inspires our colleagues who truly want to make a difference in the world, while also addressing the urgent crisis of food insecurity and hunger around the world. Together, we can be a force for good by participating in a movement to end world hunger.
Q: In 2024, as part of Pfizer’s 175th anniversary, Pfizer had the ambitious goal to package 1 million meals in just one year. The impactful milestone was celebrated this month during a meal packaging event in India. Can you share more about how that event went? What was your favorite part?
I was thrilled to be part of the millionth meal event in India, where meals packaged will remain in the country to support vulnerable patients recovering from tuberculosis by helping them maintain their body mass and alleviate malnutrition. The best part of the event was hearing from the recipient organization on the impact of our collective effort and how this work also supports Pfizer’s overarching commitment to change patients’ lives. The music played during the event comes in a close second because it helps to bring the energy.
Q: Giving back and employee volunteerism were crucial parts of the company’s 175th anniversary celebration. Why was this important to Pfizer’s celebrations?
For 175 years, Pfizer has been at the forefront of developing and delivering breakthroughs that change patients’ lives around the world. Determined to discover a better tomorrow, we’re building on this legacy to be a force for good in Pfizer’s 175th year by encouraging and supporting our colleagues to volunteer in the communities in which they live, work and beyond.
And so, in honor of Pfizer’s 175th anniversary, Pfizer launched 175 Days of Good — a global call to action to inspire and celebrate colleague volunteerism and our collective commitment to do good.
Q: Pfizer has hosted hundreds of meal packaging events with Rise Against Hunger over the years, including dozens of events just this year! Pfizer colleagues across the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Indonesia, India and Canada have packaged nutritious meals for distribution to children and families worldwide. What does it mean to Pfizer’s global staff to have a hands-on impact in the work to end global hunger?
Partnering with Rise Against Hunger gives us the opportunity to impact the lives of so many globally, and that is inspiring for colleagues. Knowing that our efforts will help end global hunger, a UN Sustainable Development Goal, is amazing and it gives all of us a reason to take time out of our busy work days to pitch in, help and contribute to something even greater.
Q: What would you say to other corporations and individuals interested in joining Rise Against Hunger’s movement to end global hunger?
Partnering with Rise Against Hunger offers companies a turnkey volunteer engagement experience that yields so many benefits. It builds comradery, creates impact, flexibility to package meals in multiple countries. I would encourage others to explore what works best for you.
Want to join Rise Against Hunger in the fight to end hunger, like Pfizer has? Become a corporate partner today!