The Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) has continued its ongoing community outreach efforts by donating to Hands for Hunger's 'Each One, Feed One' Matching Challenge. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the annual Paradise Plates fundraiser was cancelled. In lieu of the event, Hands for Hunger has reached out to their corporate supporters and the general public to assist their food distribution program.

CBC has been a longtime supporter of Hands for Hunger. The non-profit group previously provided food boxes for over 4,000 families per week, but they have seen a large increase in families seeking assistance in recent months. Thanks to the support of an unnamed donor, all donations made during the period of August 24-October 19, 2020, will be matched up to $200,000. CBC was proud to contribute $2,500 to the fundraising effort, in addition to the company's ongoing beverage donations. 

Aarone Sargent, Hands for Hunger's Multimedia Manager noted, "Hands for Hunger is truly appreciative of the continuous support of corporate partners like Caribbean Bottling. Caribbean Bottling continues to be a dependable and generous community partner. Donations such as these, help to sustain our operations and the critical work we do. Since March of this year, we have seen a huge increase in those that are food insecure. We have adapted our operations to assist, feeding over 5,500 families every week."

Since early March, Bahamians around the entire country have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as the nation continues to grapple with the virus, CBC has remained committed to supporting communities and providing assistance to a number of relief groups. To date, CBC has donated over $130,000 in beverages to charitable organizations, food distribution centers, and outreach programs, and remains committed to providing additional support in the future. 

"The coronavirus has impacted the lives of just about every Bahamian" noted Nikia Wells, CBC Communications Marketing Manager. "This is a global pandemic, and it is vital that we rally together, not just as business operators, but as individuals, to support those who may be in need right now. To date, we have donated over 9,000 cases of beverages. And, we have been working closely with local charity groups, like Hands for Hunger, The Salvation Army, The Bahamas Red Cross, Great Commission, Lend-A-Hand, members of the local Bahamian manufacturing and production community, and many other smaller soup kitchens and community programs to ensure that those in need have vital resources, beverages, and food."