Support Your Community with Panda Cares Foundation

Beyond the tantalizing aromas and familiar flavors of American Chinese cuisine, Panda Express holds a deeper commitment – one that extends far beyond the dining table and into the hearts of communities worldwide. This commitment is embodied by the Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the esteemed Panda Restaurant Group.

More than just a corporate charity, Panda Cares is a vibrant testament to the belief that true success is measured not only in growth but in the positive impact one has on the lives of others.

At its core, the mission of Panda Cares is profoundly simple yet incredibly powerful: to bring hope to children in need by strengthening their health and education, and fostering a pervasive spirit of giving. With a resolute focus on underserved youth, the foundation works tirelessly to provide the essential building blocks for brighter futures, demonstrating that good fortune is indeed best when it is shared.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Panda Cares is its unique funding model. In a world where administrative costs can often dilute the impact of donations, Panda Restaurant Group proudly underwrites all operational expenses for the Panda Cares Foundation. This extraordinary commitment ensures that every single dollar generously donated by guests and associates directly supports crucial programs in the field, maximizing the reach and effectiveness of every contribution.

The Genesis of Giving: A Legacy of Shared Fortune

The story of Panda Cares began in 1999, founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the visionary co-founders of Panda Express. Their journey, rooted in the pursuit of the American dream, instilled in them a deep sense of gratitude and a fervent desire to give back.

This ethos blossomed into the core value of giving, which has since become an integral part of Panda Restaurant Group's identity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Dr. Peggy Cherng often articulates the guiding principle: Good fortune is best when it is shared. This belief isn't just a motto; it's the very inspiration behind the foundation's relentless efforts to serve the communities in which Panda Express operates.

Panda Cares is not merely an add-on but an essential component woven into the fabric of the company, reflecting a profound commitment to putting people first.

Panda Cares' Core Pillars of Impact: Nurturing Health, Empowering Education, and Responding to Crisis

The foundation's expansive work is meticulously structured around three critical pillars designed to offer comprehensive support to young individuals:

A. Nurturing Health: Bringing Hope to Hospitals

Panda Cares has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to children's health, particularly through its longstanding partnership with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). This vital collaboration began in 2007, and since 2003, Panda Cares has generously contributed over $172 million to these hospitals nationwide.

These funds are instrumental in establishing and sustaining Panda Cares Centers of Hope, specially curated spaces within hospitals that inspire hope and promote healing. These centers go beyond medical treatment, addressing each child's entire well-being, encompassing their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. In 2023 alone, Panda Cares funded Centers of Hope at 134 children's hospitals across the U.

S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, encouraging hope and healing for countless young patients.

B. Empowering Education: Building Brighter Futures

Recognizing education as a cornerstone for future success, Panda Cares is deeply passionate about providing students with access to programs that foster character-building skills, academic achievement, and pathways to college and career success. The foundation has committed over $148 million since 2008, positively impacting over 4.

9 million students. Key partnerships underpin these educational initiatives, including collaborations with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where Panda Cares has invested an extraordinary $62 million over the past five years to provide critical resources and spark confidence.

Since 2020, they have also partnered with Communities In Schools to help students succeed.

Furthermore, to support higher education, Panda Cares established the Panda Cares Scholars Program in 2020. This program provides essential funding, academic support, and leadership development for high school and college students, with scholarships administered in collaboration with UNCF (United Negro College Fund).

C. Responding to Crisis: Unwavering Disaster Relief

Beyond proactive health and education initiatives, Panda Cares is quick to shift its focus during times of unforeseen hardship. Since 2005, the foundation has actively engaged in disaster relief efforts, providing crucial monetary donations, hot meals, and volunteer services to communities grappling with natural disasters and emergencies.

Their rapid response and extensive reach are amplified through partnerships with esteemed non-profit organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Tzu Chi Foundation, and Feeding America. In 2023, for instance, Panda Cares raised $2.2 million for Hawaii wildfire relief and served thousands of meals to first responders and affected families.

The Power of Collective Giving: How Panda Cares Works

The engine of Panda Cares' remarkable impact is fueled by the collective generosity of its community. The most visible manifestation of this is the in-store donation box program, a simple yet powerful mechanism that has raised over $333 million since 2010. Every penny collected through these boxes goes directly to support local children's hospitals, schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and disaster relief efforts.

Beyond customer contributions, the Associate Giving Campaign allows Panda associates to donate a portion of their earnings to local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, embodying the company's shared value of giving. Additionally, valued business partners contribute through various fundraising events, including the annual Panda Cares Charity Golf Invitational, which alone has raised over $34 million since 1999.

Volunteering is another cornerstone of the foundation's work. Panda associates contribute significant time and resources, collectively donating over 343,000 volunteer hours to support local underserved youth organizations. The spirit of giving is also celebrated annually on Panda Cares Day, August 8th, commemorating the foundation's anniversary with nationwide events that underscore its commitment to children's health and well-being.

Tangible Impact: Numbers That Tell a Story

The dedication of Panda Cares translates into quantifiable, life-changing results:

• Total Funds Raised: Since its inception, Panda Cares has raised an astounding over $415 million.
• Youth Supported: Millions of lives have been touched, with over 16 million youth benefiting from Panda Cares' initiatives.
• Volunteer Hours: Panda associates have passionately contributed over 343,000 volunteer hours.
• Meals Donated: More than 2.1 million meals have been provided to communities in need.
• Centers of Hope: Over 150 Panda Cares Centers of Hope have been established, offering safe and supportive environments for learning and healing.
• Children's Miracle Network Hospitals: Over $200 million raised for CMN Hospitals nationwide.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Over $62 million invested over five years.

Beyond Philanthropy: Panda Restaurant Group's Broader CSR

Panda Cares is a shining example of Panda Restaurant Group's overarching commitment to corporate social responsibility. This dedication extends beyond direct philanthropy to include robust environmental sustainability efforts. The company is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and conserve natural resources through initiatives like commercially compostable packaging, oil recycling programs, and the construction of energy-efficient buildings.

This holistic approach underscores Panda's understanding that a thriving community also depends on a healthy planet.

Getting Involved: Your Role in the Mission

Supporting the vital work of Panda Cares is easy and impactful. Guests can contribute directly through the donation boxes located in Panda Express restaurants. These small contributions collectively create monumental change, truly demonstrating that your change makes a difference. Organizations that align with Panda Cares' mission of serving underserved youth's health and educational needs can also apply for food donations to support their events, adhering to specific guidelines to ensure maximum impact.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Compassion

The Panda Cares Foundation stands as a powerful beacon of hope, proving that a commitment to community can profoundly transform lives. Through its unwavering focus on health and education for underserved youth, its innovative 100% direct donation model, and the passionate involvement of its associates and guests, Panda Express continues to build a legacy of compassion.

Every meal served, every donation made, and every volunteer hour contributed weaves into a larger narrative of care, creating a brighter, healthier, and more educated future for generations to come. It’s a powerful reminder that while the food nourishes the body, the spirit of giving nourishes the soul of a community.