PMI Partners with Connecticut Foodshare

Philip Morris International U.S. is strengthening its investment in Connecticut communities through a $20,000 contribution to Connecticut Foodshare and hands-on employee volunteerism.

Employees volunteered at Connecticut Foodshare’s Bridgeport facility in September (pictured above) to support the state’s hunger-relief efforts, inspecting and sorting food for distribution.

The volunteer day was part of the company’s WeVolunteer initiative, which connects employees with local nonprofit organizations through hands-on service opportunities. 

“Addressing hunger takes a community-wide effort, and partners like PMI U.S. play an important role in helping us meet the needs of our neighbors,” Connecticut Foodshare president and CEO Jason Jakubowski said.

“Through both volunteerism and financial support, this partnership helps strengthen our ability to provide food assistance today while advancing long-term solutions that create a stronger and more resilient Connecticut.” 

Investing in Communities

The contribution is part of PMI’s continued support of Connecticut Foodshare.

PMI has contributed $120,000 to the organization’s hunger-relief efforts over the past two years.

“Connecticut Foodshare is doing vital work to help ensure families across the state have access to nutritious food.”

PMI’s Lisa Rechsteiner

For PMI, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work. 

“At PMI U.S., we believe that strong communities are built when organizations come together to meaningfully address local needs,” said director of civil society Lisa Rechsteiner.

“Connecticut Foodshare is doing vital work to help ensure families across the state have access to nutritious food, and we are proud to support that mission through both philanthropy and volunteer service.” 

Food Insecurity

The partnership comes as demand for food assistance continues to grow in Connecticut.

More than 560,000 people in the state—about one in seven residents—are experiencing food insecurity, including more than 137,000 children. 

More than 560,000 people in the state are experiencing food insecurity, including more than 137,000 children. 

Connecticut Foodshare relies on a network of corporate partners, food donors, volunteers and community organizations to move food from donors to people who need it.

Corporate support helps strengthen that infrastructure while allowing employees to engage directly in their communities. 

As Connecticut businesses navigate their own challenges and priorities, partnerships like the one between PMI and Connecticut Foodshare demonstrate how corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism can work together to address an important community need.