Pepsi celebrates the heart of the community with The Bodega Giveback

This holiday season, Pepsi shares its gratitude through The Bodega Giveback.

Pepsi finds ways to connect with people. While that classic beverage has legions of fans, it is more than just a glass of refreshment. From pop culture moments to special memories, popping open that blue can be a moment of happiness.

For many people, the bodega is more than the store that sells the best chopped cheese sandwich. It is the lifeline of the community. Whether it is the bottle of milk in the middle of the night or the stop on the way to work, there is a sense of community to that local store.

This holiday season, Pepsi launched The Bodega Giveaway. While the bodega might not have a nationally known name, they are the heart of the neighborhood and Pepsi wants to show its appreciation for its bodega partners.

Umi Patel, CMO of North Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America, “Pepsi has so many longstanding bodega partners in New York City – they are not only pillars of the community, but they have gone above and beyond to take care of their loyal customers during the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In a way, that bodega is an even more important lifeline for the community. When big box stores were lacking, the bodega stepped up. From shifting its hours to offering essentials, these neighborhood stores ensure that their community had what they needed.

Pepsi wanted to share the stories of the hard working bodega owners who might be known on the block but deserve to be known beyond walking distance, Through the Bodega Giveback, one bodega owner shared his story and received a gift that will impact not just his business but also the community.

Here’s the Bodega Giveback video.

While this example is just one story, Pepsi continues to pay it forward this holiday season. Throughout the holiday season, various bodega owners and customers will be part of a larger holiday giveback program.

As Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, (Bodega Boys podcast and Showtime’s Desus & Mero) said, “Bodegas are the lifeblood of the neighborhood and are central to the culture of New York.”  While they said that “Juan’s story is our story,” those stories are relatable beyond the New York City boroughs. Throughout the country, small businesses have stepped up to help others. Now it is the time to giveback to them.

Even though some people might not have ever stopped in a bodega, many people can appreciate what a local store does for a community. It might be the store run by the same family for generations. Or, it is the place that helps to coordinate the community holiday display. For many local communities, the people behind those businesses need a moment of thanks for all that they do.

This holiday season, let The Bodega Giveback stand as an example. While most people cannot make a grand gesture let Pepsi, but they can support that local business. Those purchases can be a show of support for all that the store does for the community.

Do you have a bodega story? How will you support local businesses in your community?