A Long Tradition of Giving Back

Our tradition of giving back began with our founder, J.L. Kraft, who believed in repaying the community that helped him grow the business he started in Chicago in 1903. Kraft and our family of companies have continued that tradition for more than 100 years. Here are just a few examples:

• 1929 – The philanthropic activities of Oscar Mayer began during the Depression when the company distributed free sausages to impoverished Chicago residents.
• 1932 – Kraft-Phenix distributor, Harry L. Carpel of Washington, D.C., supplied 45 baskets of food to give “every needy and deserving family: A full dinner pail for the holiday celebration.”
• 1960s – Nabisco provided cookie and cracker products and Cream of Wheat cereal for Project Hope which offered free medical care and education in developing nations aboard the S.S. Hope.

A Tradition of Being There in Times of Need

Kraft is also there with humanitarian aid when disaster strikes. We send food, donate money and our employees volunteer their time to help those who need it most. From hurricanes, to earthquakes, to fires, Kraft's longstanding partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross, and Red Crescent Societies and Save the Children have helped us to help those in need.

Kraft Employees Making a Difference in Their Communities

We support our employees who give their time and money to causes in their communities through a number of programs including our annual Kraft Cares Day in the United States, our partnership with the United Nations Volunteers Corporate/Private Sector program, employee fund giving programs and matching gifts programs.