Mars’ US$1m Grant for Earthquake Relief Efforts in Venezuela

Mars has announced a US$1m grant to support communities impacted by the earthquakes that have struck northern Venezuela.

The earthquakes on 24 June 2026 caused widespread damage across the country, especially in its capital, Caracas and the northern state of La Guaira.

In La Guaira, 80% of buildings collapsed as a result of the earthquake.

More than 4,500 people have been killed, 16,700 injured, and tens of thousands remain missing across the affected areas.

Through its Impact Fund, Mars aims to provide meals to people affected by the disaster.

What will the grant do?

Mars Impact Fund will help fund World Central Kitchen (WCK), which will deliver more than 200,000 fresh meals to people affected by the earthquakes.

These efforts will accompany additional on-the-ground efforts already underway by Mars and its brands in the country.

Mars South America is supporting additional relief efforts in Venezuela, including donating more than five tons of food products such as cereal, snack food and pet food.

It is working with local food banks to support people and their pets affected by the earthquake.

Michelle Grogg, Executive Director of the Mars Impact Fund, says: “As a family-owned, principles-led business, our hearts go out to the families whose lives have been devastated by this earthquake.

“In times of crisis, Mars believes we have a responsibility to utilise our global resources to support the recovery of impacted communities.

“We are honoured to partner with World Central Kitchen, whose team has the immediate on-the-ground expertise and local relationships needed to deliver hot meals and critical relief to families when they need it most.”

World Central Kitchen’s community impact

Mars and WCK have been working together since 2022 to help prepare and deliver fresh, nourishing meals to people affected by crises around the world.

WCK’s work includes providing on-the-ground food distribution for families in need, serving more than 600 million meals worldwide since its founding in 2010.

The organisation responded to the earthquake in Venezuela within hours, working with local restaurants and partners in the community to prepare and distribute meals.

To date, WCK has served almost 500,000 meals across the affected states of Miranda, La Guaira and Carabobo.

It has worked alongside more than 50 local restaurant partners to help displaced families, first responders and communities.

Tunde Wackman, Chief Development Officer at World Central Kitchen, says: “When the earthquakes struck, our teams and local partners were able to mobilise within hours because of partners like Mars.

“This generous grant from the Mars Impact Fund means we can keep showing up for families across Venezuela with fresh, nourishing meals and it’s a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can help neighbours when it matters most.”

About the Mars Impact Fund

The Mars Impact Fund was launched in March 2026, aiming to make a positive impact in the communities where Mars operates.

The company has pledged to contribute US$85m between 2025 and 2027 through its Fund.

This is designed to work alongside its existing sustainability strategy and goals, complementing its efforts with long-term investments.

Michelle writes on LinkedIn: “I’m grateful for the incredible work of the World Central Kitchen team and their local partners, whose expertise and rapid response make this support possible.

“I’m also proud of the many Mars Associates and businesses stepping up to provide food donations, support search-and-rescue efforts and help Associates whose families have been affected.”