GOOD FOOD, EVERY DAYâ„¢ H.J. Heinz Company

32 | HEINZ Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2005
Supporting our Employees
in the Community
Many of our employees give their time,
energy and talents to non-profit organizations
that work to improve the quality
of life in our communities. Through the
Company Foundation, we are committed
to encouraging and supporting the good
works of our employees.
Heinz HELPS (Heinz Employees Lending
Public Service) recognizes our employees’
volunteer efforts by providing $250 (U.S.)
contributions to registered non-profit
organizations in recognition of Heinz
employees’ ongoing and active volunteer
services. All full- and part-time employees
based in the United States are eligible to
apply for an organization to receive two
Heinz HELPS grants each fiscal year by
completing 50 hours of volunteer work.
In addition, we offer employees a Gift
Matching Program. Heinz employees,
retirees and directors in the United States
can apply for grants to registered nonprofit
organizations that focus on nutrition,
youth and education, diversity, healthy
children and families, and quality of life.
In Fiscal 2005, we matched employee
giving to a total of $374,000 (15% of total
annual giving).
The H.J. Heinz Company Foundation established an academic
scholarship program for children of all full-time employees
attending college or university programs. Each year, six recipients
receive a $2,000 per year scholarship for up to four years of college
undergraduate study or until baccalaureate degree requirements
are completed. The annual competition is conducted by the
National Merit Scholarship Corporation, an independent non-profit
organization. Scholarship winners are chosen based on academic
record, contributions to the school and community, test scores, the
school’s recommendation of the candidate and the student’s essay
about personal characteristics, activities, plans and goals. The
2005 scholarships were awarded to students from Scottsdale, Ariz.;
Pittsburgh and King of Prussia, Pa.; and Fremont and Mason, Ohio.
Emergency Relief
Heinz is committed to providing emergency relief. In response to the devastating tsunami
of December 26, 2004, our employees immediately responded. Despite holiday vacations,
the global team rallied together to personally contribute their time, wages and expertise
to relief efforts. Of particular note were the efforts of our colleagues in India, who
volunteered one day’s wages to an international relief agency — and the generosity of
employees in Thailand, who worked with the Ministry of Health to assist survivors. In total,
Heinz contributed food products, supplies and financial support exceeding $400,000 to
major aid organizations including the Red Cross and UNICEF. Heinz also worked with
Helen Keller International to provide iron-fortified soy sauce to 250,000 affected families
in Indonesia’s Aceh province.
Later in September 2005, our employees stepped up again in response to the devastation
caused by Hurricane Katrina to the U.S. Gulf Coast communities. Through the generosity
of Heinz employees and affiliates around the world, and with the support of the Company
Foundation, we provided more than $1 million in assistance. Employee donations to the
American Red Cross and America’s Second Harvest were matched up to $100,000 (U.S.),
and much-needed non-perishable food was donated from our global affiliates.
“We are grateful for the support of our employee family, who responds in this
selfless way any time they are needed — at home or abroad.” — William R. Johnson