Hershey Launches Innovative Distance Learning Program To Connect Children In U.S. And Rural Ghana

Each of the distance learning sessions incorporates a cultural exchange activity, an interactive lesson which ties into the curriculum and a “Q&A” session between the students. This distance learning program is part of The Hershey Company’s multiple initiatives to reinforce cocoa sustainability and accelerate farmer and family development in West Africa, where 70 percent of the world’s cocoa is grown. The program was made possible through a unique public/private partnership between The Hershey Company, Cisco Systems, Milton Hershey School, The Hershey Story Museum and Source Trust.

Source Trust is a non-profit organization focused on sustainable farming practices which improve the lives of farmers and their families. Earlier this year, The Hershey Company partnered with Source Trust to create the Hershey Learn to Grow farmer and family development center in Assin Fosu in Ghana’s central cocoa region. The distance learning program is now part of the Learn to Grow program.

Over the next five years, The Hershey Company will expand and accelerate programs to improve cocoa communities by investing millions of dollars in West Africa and continuing to work with experts in agriculture, community development and government to drive long-term change in cocoa villages where families will benefit from the investments in education, health and economic opportunities. Earlier this year, Hershey announced a $10 million commitment to accelerate its programs in West Africa. In addition, Hershey recently committed to third-party certification by 2020 for 100 percent of the cocoa used for all of its chocolate products.

For more information about Hershey's cocoa sustainability programs in West Africa, please see: www.HersheyCocoaSustainability.com.

[U.S. media note: Contact Sara Ensminger at [e-mail] for information about attending a distance learning session at The Hershey Story Museum on November 27]

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees. With revenues of more than $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company’s global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

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