KFC partners with BBBSA, to feed next generation of leaders

Fast food chain KFC is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the nation's largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, to help newly matched "Bigs" (mentors) and "Littles" (youth) bond over a bucket this summer.

The heart of BBBSA's programming is Community-Based Mentoring, which allows Bigs and Littles to spend one-on-one time together enjoying free/low-cost activities in the community.

Sharing a meal is a favorite way for Bigs and Littles to connect so on the heels of BBBSA's successful "Big Draft" volunteer recruitment campaign earlier this year, KFC is providing gift cards for 5,000 newly matched Bigs and Littles to meet and share a bucket of KFC's world-famous fried chicken while kicking off their new mentoring relationship.

In addition, KFC is also donating meals (via $20 gift cards) to the families of new Littles so they can share a bucket of fried chicken this summer. According to BBBSA, 74 percent of Littles receive free or reduced lunch from school and 22 percent of families receive some type of income assistance.

Along with their bucket meal, Littles and their families will get access to a digital, family-friendly cookbook with reheating instructions and recipes that demonstrate ways to stretch a KFC meal.

"When we found out the number one activity for Bigs and Littles was sharing a meal, we knew we had to help," said Staci Rawls, Chief Communications Officer, KFC U.S that has been bringing people together over a bucket of our world-famous fried chicken.

Along with the donation of meals totaling $175,000, KFC U.S. is committing $100,000 to BBBSA to support workforce mentoring programs that prepare teens for post-high school success.

"Our goal is to empower young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact can last for a lifetime," said Artis Stevens, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.