General Mills pledges disaster relief support following Midwest tornadoes

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn – In response to the devastating tornadoes that struck the Midwestern United States on Sunday, the General Mills Foundation is pledging $75,000 to support immediate response efforts in Missouri and Minnesota. Of the total contribution, $50,000 will go the American Red Cross Southwest Missouri Chapter and $25,000 will go to the American Red Cross Twin Cities Area Chapter.

In addition, through June 10, 2011, the General Mills Foundation will offer a dollar-for-dollar gift matching option for employee and retiree gifts to the American Red Cross Southwest Missouri Chapter, up to $25,000. General Mills is also making in-kind product donations to feed those impacted by the storms as well as feed volunteer relief workers in the affected communities.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Joplin and Minneapolis. Both are communities where we live and work," said Ellen Goldberg Luger, vice president and General Mills Foundation executive director. "Our plants in Joplin and Fridley, Minnesota sustained only minor damage. The greater impact is on our employees, particularly in Joplin. Our focus now is on providing support to speed the critical response efforts and bring relief to those who need it most."

About General Mills
One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Yoplait, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US$16 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales. 

About the General Mills Foundation
The mission of the General Mills Foundation, celebrating 56 years of giving, is to nourish communities. In fiscal 2010, General Mills awarded more than $100 million to communities across the country. Of the total, the Foundation contributed $22 million in grants in the targeted areas of hunger and nutrition wellness, and K-12 education. In addition, 82 percent of U.S. employees volunteer in the communities where they live and work.