Honda launched a COVID-19 Special Matching Gift Program for its associates on April 1, enabling full-time associates in the U.S. and Canada to support food assistance organizations. These much-needed funds are an important addition to Honda’s $1 million USD pledge to foodbanks and meal programs across North America.

In the first 48 hours after the program launched, Honda associates gave nearly $30,000 USD to food assistance programs throughout the U.S. and Canada. These associate contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda, up to $1,000 for each individual associate.

“I decided to give due to the urgency of the situation,” said American Honda associate Oretha Horton. “I applaud Honda for giving associates an opportunity to give and for doing it so quickly. I would encourage every associate to donate the minimum, and if you are able to do more, do it. It’s going to effect change in our communities and in our lives to know we are part of something bigger.”

Horton, who said she typically volunteers in person for activities like MLK Day of Service and the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, gave to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to help serve the needs of Southern California families near her office who are particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honda’s COVID-19 Special Matching Gift Program has a minimum donation of $10 for Honda to match online gifts to pre-selected food programs. The list of eligible organizations includes options to give to programs from 20 different U.S. states where associates live and work, as well as national food assistance programs for the U.S. and Canada.

“Honda always steps up, so I wasn’t surprised when they announced this opportunity, and associates always seem to get involved when things like this happen,” said Honda of Canada Mfg. associate Kimberley Dolan. “I know a lot of families in our community need the help, and at this time, we all want to be able to help in some way.”

Addressing food insecurity is one of three ways Honda has pledged to support local communities. Other efforts include support for medical product supply chains and “Virtual Volunteering” opportunities for associates and contingent associates.

“I haven’t heard of a lot of other companies focused on food insecurity in communities,” said Honda of America Mfg. associate Keith Strickland. “Donating through the Matching Gift Program was something I could do to help the community where our plant is located, and it was easy to do.”