Nestle in the United States Pools Resources to Support Relief Efforts in Haiti

NEW YORK, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle in the United States, which consists of Nestle USA, Nestle Waters North America, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Nestle Nutrition and Nestle Professional, announced the companies have made initial donations of more than $1 million dollars in bottled water and food products as well as $80,000 in cash as a first step in ongoing efforts to help Haiti in the aftermath of the recent earthquake.  

In light of the significant aftershock reported in Haiti this morning, the companies will continue to provide support to the country and to groups engaged in rescue and recovery projects.

In addition to company support, Nestle's 44,000 United States employees are being encouraged to contribute additional financial support. All donations will be matched by parent company Nestle S.A., which will be given to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The five operating companies' specific relief efforts include:

• Nestle Waters North America has pledged an initial $1 million in bottled water and is working with aid organizations to ensure it reaches those in need as soon as possible. The company sent 20 truckloads of Poland Spring bottled water for shipment to Haiti this week, with an additional 50 truckloads on the way.
• Nestle USA will donate $30,000 to the American Red Cross to help support the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.
• Nestle Purina PetCare Company is matching the donations of Nestle Purina Associates to the American Red Cross, dollar-for-dollar, up to the amount of $25,000.
• Nestle Nutrition is donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support its relief efforts in Haiti.

As part of Nestle's global effort to assist the people of Haiti, Nestle Dominicana has begun organizing donations of food products in the amount of $150,000 along with a monetary donation of $100,000. The company sent its first truckload of food this week, which was valued at $25,000-$30,000 and passed to the World Vision charity for distribution to the affected areas.  In addition, Nestle associates in the Dominican Republic have been donating blood.  

About Nestle in the United States

Nestle in the United States consists of five main businesses: Nestle USA, Nestle Waters North America, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Nestle Nutrition and Nestle Professional. Together, these companies operate more than 120 locations in 47 states and employ over 44,000 people.

Nestle in the United States sells some of the world's best-known brands and products seen every day, and that families have come to enjoy and rely on for years.  It is Nestle S.A.'s largest market with combined product sales in the United States totaling nearly $25 billion in 2008.

SOURCE Nestle in the United States