Operations

Taco Bell, Cargill, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation offer grants to restore grasslands

Agricultural lands on the banks of the middle fork of the Salmon River near Stanley, Idaho. Photo: NFWF

May 2, 2023

Taco Bell is partnering with long-time cattle supplier Cargill and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to implement conservation and regenerative agriculture practices across cattle grazing lands, according to a press release.

Taco Bell and Cargill will allocate $2 million and will leverage up to $2 million in federal funds to a combined total of $4 in new grants over the next four years.

"We're all about democratizing access to quality, flavorful meals at an affordable price," Missy Schaaphok, director of global nutrition and sustainability at Taco Bell, said in the press release. "What people don't see directly on our menu is how we also prioritize sustainability just as much as craveability."

The move is part of parent company Yum Brand's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50% by 2030. The grasslands where beef cattle live is under threat from climate change, invasive species, limited water and residential developments. This partnership will conserve and restore tens of thousands of acres.

Organizations supporting ranchers as they seek to implement regenerative agricultural practices across the Intermountain West can submit applications starting May 4 until Aug. 3, with projects to begin in 2024.

"Through the voluntary implementation of managed grazing practices, benefits to both rancher operations and wildlife are realized," Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF, said in the press release. "Taco Bell, in partnership with Cargill, will help organizations working directly with ranchers in the Intermountain West to implement important changes, providing better habitat for wildlife, increasing carbon sequestration, and creating a more resilient ecosystem for people and for the species that depend on these rangelands for their very survival."

"At Cargill, we pride ourselves on connecting our customers to partners such as NFWF that can help drive sustainability efforts starting with nature and the rancher," Jeffrey Fitzpatrick, BeefUp Sustainability Program lead at Cargill, said in the press release. "As beef is a beloved ingredient at Taco Bell, it's our job as their trusted supplier to encourage and support efforts that increase the sustainability of the supply chain through investment and collaboration."

With purchased food in Yum! Brands' supply chain producing more than two-thirds of its emissions, this program will be valuable in helping to sustain America's natural resources while still feeding the taco nation.

"Collaboration with ranchers and other supply chain partners is needed now more than ever, especially with food and farming being critical avenues for positive climate solutions," Jon Hixson, chief sustainability officer at Yum! Brands. "We're proud to have partners in the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Cargill that acknowledge the great responsibility we carry to both Taco Bell fans and the environment."