The U.S. saw a surge in food insecurity when the pandemic hit, with Feeding America estimating 45 million people, including 15 million children, faced hunger in 2020. The loss of school meals and supply‑chain disruptions turned eating a daily necessity into a survival question for millions.
In May 2020, during her 28th birthday, Olivia Culpo teamed up with Reunited Clothing to launch a line of non‑surgical face coverings. Priced at $20 each, the masks were available in animal prints, satin, and denim and could be ordered online at morethanamask.org. For every mask sold, 100 meals were donated to Feeding America, turning a simple purchase into a direct food‑bank boost.
The partnership didn’t stop at one retailer. In August 2020, a collaboration with Express’ #ExpressTogether campaign added $10 in meals for each mask sold. Culpo said it was “about coming together and doing the best that we can for everyone.”
Beyond meals, the initiative broadened its reach by working with Colour of Change, a racial‑justice organization, and PERIOD, which tackles period poverty. These alliances show how a single product line can ripple into multiple areas of health and social welfare.
Culpo’s motivation traces back to her parents, who “opened doors” and served soup kitchens from a young age. She described the pandemic as a moment of guilt that she turned into action, stating, “I felt horrible, depressed for others and for myself, so I channeled that into a practical response.”
If you want to make an impact, consider buying a face covering from a brand that donates to food banks, or donate directly to Feeding America. Small, everyday choices can add up to millions of meals for those still struggling to get on the table.