Heinz plans to send earthquake relief monies to China

PITTSBURGH The H. J. Heinz Co. today said that it is donating $350,000 to relief efforts for victims of Monday’s earthquake in the Sichuan Province in China.

A Heinz factory that produces frozen appetizers, desserts and dim sum—under the Long Fong brand name—is located in the Sichuan Province’s capital, Chengdu.

“While we are thankful that none of our employees or their family members were injured during the earthquake, our hearts go out to the thousands of victims of this tragic event,” Heinz chairman, president and chief executive, William Johnson, said. “We feel it is our moral obligation as a corporate citizen in Sichuan to do whatever we can to help bring comfort and relief to those who have been impacted by this catastrophe.”

The company has committed to donating $350,000, $100,000 of which will come from its foundation. The additional $250,000 will come from Heinz UFE. The chairman of Long Fong, Hector Yeh, has also pledged a large personal donation and has worked to secure donations of money and food from partners.

There has been no damage to the Heinz/Long Fong factory or warehouse facilities, Yeh said. However, production will be halted until potential dangers from aftershocks have ceded and the plant is cleared for safety. Meanwhile, employees will receive their regular pay, Yeh said.