Joy of Sharing: Jollibee Group Foundation Marks 20 Years of Impactful Partnerships and Progress

Manila, Philippines, XX April – Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of the Jollibee Group, celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of impactful partnerships and commitment to achieving food security in the Philippines. Since its inception in 2004, JGF has worked alongside over 500 local and international organizations to co-develop sustainable solutions addressing hunger and food insecurity.
“For 20 years, JGF has been a force for sharing joy—turning purpose into action and partnerships into impact,” said Gisela Tiongson, President of Jollibee Group Foundation. “Through our programs—whether providing meals, supporting farmers, or helping students stay in school—we’ve worked hand in hand with our partners to build resilience, spark hope, and create lasting positive change.”
 
Collaboration at the Heart of JGF’s Efforts
 
For over two decades, JGF has built and expanded a strong network of partners —including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and local organizations—working together to improve food access and community resilience nationwide. These partnerships have enabled JGF to scale its initiatives from localized efforts into nationwide programs that impact thousands of lives.
One of its flagship initiatives, the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Program – translated as Well Fed, Healthy and Smart- was launched in 2007 to support public school children at risk of dropping out of school in their primary grades due to hunger. Over the years, the program evolved as JGF examined the limitations of existing feeding efforts, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited capacity, and fragmented delivery systems that made scaling difficult.

In response, JGF introduced the centralized School Feeding Kitchens in 2016 – an innovation that streamlined operations, reduced inefficiencies, and enabled the program to grow more sustainably. Serving multiple schools at once, these kitchens ensure meals are prepared safely, consistently, and efficiently. The model complements the Department of Education’s (DepEd) School-Based Feeding Program, which was institutionalized in 2015.
Today, the BLT Program is the largest network of centralized school feeding kitchens in the Philippines. Since 2007, it has reached over 270,000 pupils and established 41 kitchens across the country. Recognized by DepEd as a national best practice, the program demonstrates how private sector expertise, when paired with strong public and community partnerships, can build systems that last.

JGF’s advocacy of addressing food insecurity also extends to disaster response. Through its FoodAID program, JGF mobilizes the Jollibee Group’s vast store network to quickly deliver hot, enriched meals to families affected by natural disasters. By tapping into the Group’s research and development capabilities and partnering with local partner organizations, FoodAID has reached thousands of Filipinos with timely, nourishing relief.

Sustainable Solutions Through Empowered Communities

Beyond providing immediate food assistance, JGF empowers communities with sustainable, long-term solutions that not only address hunger but also build self-reliance—helping them break the cycle of food insecurity and shape a more resilient future.

At the heart of this mission is the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), which helps smallholder farmers transition into agro-entrepreneurs. Through training, mentorship, and access to institutional markets, farmers are equipped to improve their livelihoods and participate in inclusive value chains. Since 2008, FEP has accredited 34 farmer groups, that have collectively supplied over 13 million kilos of fresh produce to the Jollibee Group – generating more than ₱700 million in additional income for smallholder farmers.

“The FEP has enabled farmers to increase their productivity, lower production costs, and secure stable incomes,” Tiongson said. “It reflects our commitment to inclusive business – supporting farmers as we grow. None of this would be possible without the strong coordination and support of local implementing partners who connect us with these farmers,” Tiongson added.

Local implementing partners play a vital role in bridging JGF with farming communities on the ground. These partners, which include local government units, cooperatives, micro-finance institutions, and community-based organizations, provide direct support to farmers and help ensure the program’s success on the ground. Long-standing partners such as the LGU of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; Ahon s Hirap, Inc. (ASHI); Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Sacred Heart Saving Cooperative have been instrumental in enabling sustained engagement and impact.

To ensure long-term success, JGF works with leading agricultural experts and institutions. Technical support is provided by partners such as the Department of Science and Technology – PCAARRD, Central Luzon State University, and Mariano Marcos State University. These collaborations offer farmers access to consultations and innovations that enhance farming practices. In addition, over 500 farmers have been trained by Dutch nonprofit PUM Netherlands in modern farming techniques, soil health, and sustainable agriculture—laying the groundwork for climate-resilient farming communities.

JGF’s commitment to inclusive growth also extends to youth. Through the Access, Curriculum, and Employability (ACE) Scholarship Program, over 3,100 students have received scholarships and employability training. Partnering with institutions like the Don Bosco – One TVET Philippines equips young Filipinos with life skills and livelihood opportunities that open doors to better futures.

Whether helping farmers earn more, preparing youth for meaningful work, or ensuring schoolchildren don’t go hungry—JGF’s programs are united by a common goal: to build stronger, more self-reliant communities.
 
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on the Joy of Sharing
 
As JGF marks its 20th anniversary, it remains deeply committed to creating meaningful change through greater food access, livelihood opportunities, and empowered communities. With collaboration at its core, JGF is poised to expand its programs, strengthen existing partnerships, and explore new ways to serve more communities across the country.
“This milestone is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a future where everyone is valued, and no one is excluded from progress and opportunity,” said Tiongson. “By working together and continuing to innovate, we can extend the reach of our programs and open more opportunities for families to thrive. Our 20th year isn’t just a celebration of what we’ve done—it’s a launchpad for even greater impact ahead.”

Rooted in the joy of sharing, JGF looks to the future with gratitude and determination—carrying forward two decades of collective action, and inspiring hope, dignity, and possibility in every meal served, every partnership formed, and every life empowered.