Quaker Oats, one of India’s leading brands in the oats segment, from the house of PepsiCo India, is all set to take forward the organization’s on-going efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Quaker Oats will provide over 1 lakh meals to doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals working tirelessly in COVID-19 specialty hospitals across New Delhi.
The meals will be provided by installing Quaker Oats vending machines in leading government hospitals. The special initiative is supported by Smile Foundation, and was flagged off by Dr. Randeep Gulleria, Director, AIIMS along with Abhishek Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, New Delhi.
The Quaker machines are being installed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, as well as at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). As a result of increased work-pressure due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have often found themselves working long hours. Through these vending machines, the brand aims to equip the frontline warriors with easy access to Quaker Oats on the go.
Talking about the initiative, Abhishek Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, New Delhi, said, “The effort put in by doctors and paramedic staff in these times of pandemic is unparalleled. Contribution to salute the spirit of these brave corona warriors is deeply appreciated.”
Santanu Mishra, Co-founder and Trustee, Smile Foundation, said, “It is our absolute privilege to support PepsiCo India in this unique initiative for the doctors and other healthcare staff who are working tirelessly to save lives across the globe. Smile Foundation through various campaigns is supporting not just the underserved communities but also render all support to all corona warriors – including doctors, paramedics, policemen etc., in the combined fight against Covid-19. We have to win this fight together.”
Dilen Gandhi, Sr. Director and Category Head – Foods, PepsiCo India, said, “Over the last few months, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have showcased deep compassion and heroic courage in the ongoing fight against Coronavirus. We believe that brands and organizations can also play a pivotal role in supporting the nation by going the extra mile in these unprecedented times. We, at PepsiCo India, express our deepest gratitude to these ‘Real Fit Heroes’ and salute them for their selfless spirit and unwavering dedication”.