AFA Targets PepsiCo

The ironically named “American Family Association” has decided to target PepsiCo in retaliation for PepsiCo’s generous support of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). So, now would be a good time to call or e-mail each of those companies to let them know you support their respect for diversity and equality. You can get more info about that, including phone numbers here.

I’ve already sent e-mails to each of the companies (PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, Quaker, and Tropicana) and received responses from each. It’s interesting to note the differences in the responses. Pepsi and Quaker sent me identical replies, form responses stressing that PepsiCo’s grants are based on expanding workplace diversity only, and don’t extend to social issues beyond that. Frito-Lays response was a truncated version of the same message.

Tropicana, however, sent a much warmer personal reply:

Alexander:

Thanks for your wonderful comments. We have ways of measuring success, but nothing compares to receiving emails like yours. We’ll share your comments with the director of the PepsiCo Foundation as well.

Thanks again for your kind words, Alexander. We’ll always strive to produce high quality juice for you to enjoy. Please know that we’ll always make charitable contributions to organizations we believe in.

Meredith

There’s still some normal PR speak in there (They’re making juice! FOR ME!!), but at the same time, this letter sounds genuinely happy that the program has supporters. It may still be a form letter, but if it is, at least it’s a form letter that was heartfelt at its original writing. And it made me happy, so I thought I’d share.