The CMA CGM Foundation and Feed the Children Join Forces to Provide Over 1,400 Backpacks Filled with Essential Supplies to Children in Norfolk

The CMA CGM Foundation and Feed the Children today brought together more than 75 CMA CGM staff member volunteers at the Group’s North American headquarters in Norfolk to assemble over 1,400 backpacks filled with school supplies, essential hygiene products and a shelf-stable meal to help Norfolk students start the new school year prepared and ready to learn.
The backpacks will be donated to RESET INC and The Salvation Army for distribution to support local students across Norfolk ahead of the upcoming school year.

As families face added expenses ahead of the new school year, Feed the Children’s Backpack-N-Go program helps address classroom readiness by providing resources that support students' success at school. The effort reflects a shared commitment with the CMA CGM Foundation to reducing barriers for Norfolk families and helping children begin the year with the confidence and support they need to learn.

“As one of Norfolk's largest employers, we are proud to give back to the community that has been home to CMA CGM in North America for many years," said Heather Wood, Vice President of Sustainability at CMA CGM America. "Today's event reflects what the CMA CGM Foundation stands for: working alongside trusted partners to create meaningful opportunities for children and families. We are especially grateful to our employees, whose enthusiasm and commitment make initiatives like this possible.” 

“Back-to-school season should be a time of hope and possibility, but for too many families working hard to provide for their children, it also brings real hunger and hardship,” said Emily Callahan, President and CEO of Feed the Children. “Together with the CMA CGM Foundation, we’re helping ease that burden by putting food, essentials, and school supplies directly into the hands of families who need them most. That’s what our global movement is about: ensuring every child has the resources they need to survive and thrive.” 

“Strong communities are built through partnerships. Today’s collaboration reflects the best of Norfolk and shows what’s possible when businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders come together to invest in our children.” said Dr. Kenneth C. Alexander, Mayor of Norfolk.

“I am proud to represent the district where CMA CGM America has chosen to invest not only in business, but in our community. Today reflects the kind of corporate citizenship that strengthens families, supports our schools, and helps remove barriers to learning. I commend everyone involved for investing in the young people who will shape Norfolk's future." said Angelia Williams-Graves, Virginia State Senator.

“We thank the CMA CGM Foundation and Feed the Children for their commitment to Norfolk Public Schools. Education opens doors, but students need the right tools to walk into the classroom feeling prepared, confident, and encouraged. By providing students with the resources they need, we send a powerful message that our community believes in them and is committed to their future.” said Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe, Norfolk Public School Board Chair.

The CMA CGM Foundation’s Commitment to Social Initiatives in the United States:

The CMA CGM Foundation is deeply committed to supporting communities across the United States through a wide range of humanitarian and social initiatives. The Foundation's Giving Across North America initiative, carried out in partnership with The Salvation Army, provides vital assistance to those in need. Since 2023, the Foundation has also supported the American Red Cross’ Annual Disaster Giving Program, offering critical financial and logistical resources to strengthen emergency response efforts. Through its Containers of Hope program, which provides free shipping for humanitarian aid, the Foundation has enabled Americares to deliver more than 1,255 tonnes of essential medicines and medical supplies to over 27 countries, ensuring life-saving relief reaches the people and places that need it most.