Panda Cares Foundation: Giving Back Through Health, Education, and Heart

Founded in 1999, the Panda Cares Foundation is the official philanthropic arm of Panda Express, the largest Asian dining concept in the United States. More than just a fast food chain, Panda Express has woven compassion into its business model, and Panda Cares is at the heart of that mission. Dedicated to bettering the lives of underserved youth, the foundation focuses on two major pillars: health and education.

Panda Cares Foundation

A Mission Rooted in Community

The mission of the Panda Cares Foundation is clear: to inspire better lives through health and education for youth in need. Whether it’s supporting critical pediatric healthcare or creating access to educational resources, Panda Cares aims to uplift children and teens across the U.S. and beyond.

Panda Cares is the official philanthropic arm of Panda Express, founded to give back to local communities through education and healthcare programs.

Panda Cares believes that every young person deserves an equal chance at success, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The foundation’s work is driven by values like community, care, and continuous improvement—values that align with Panda Express’s corporate culture and the ethos of its founders, Andrew and Peggy Cherng.

Panda Cares also supports children’s wellness by offering healthy meal choices like the Cub Meal, ensuring balanced nutrition.

Over $400 Million Raised and Growing

Since its inception, the Panda Cares Foundation has raised more than $415 million—a significant achievement that speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to giving back. These funds are collected through generous guest donations at Panda Express restaurants and direct contributions from the company itself.

Every penny raised is used to fuel a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Pediatric care and critical medical treatments
• Educational scholarships and academic programming
• School building renovations and learning resources
• Emergency response for children affected by disasters

Panda Restaurant Group encourages both corporate and franchise partners to participate in its charity initiatives.

With more than 2,400 Panda Express locations, the foundation has access to communities across the country.

Health: Supporting Lifesaving Pediatric Care

One of the foundation’s core priorities is improving health outcomes for children, particularly those battling serious illnesses. Through strong partnerships with organizations like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Panda Cares helps fund life-saving equipment, therapies, and family support services in hospitals across the nation.

These efforts are complemented by their extensive catering menu that serves schools, hospitals, and fundraising events.

Transparency is a key value, as seen in their detailed menu nutrition and calories disclosures that help educate communities.

In many cases, this funding goes toward supporting culturally inclusive care, such as interpreter services and culturally sensitive food options, making a meaningful difference in the patient experience.

Education: Empowering the Next Generation

Through the Panda Cares Scholars Program, the foundation provides scholarships, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities to high-potential students from underrepresented communities. In partnership with UNCF, DonorsChoose, and local school districts, Panda Cares supports both in-school and after-school programs that nurture confidence, resilience, and academic excellence.

Educational efforts also extend to improving the environments where kids learn. Panda Cares has funded the renovation of school libraries, technology upgrades, and the construction of Panda Cares Centers of Learning—safe, inspiring spaces for growth and creativity.

Community Involvement: Beyond the Checkbook

What sets Panda Cares apart is its culture of hands-on involvement. Panda Express associates are actively encouraged to participate in volunteer days, fundraising campaigns, and local outreach programs. Each year, Panda’s associates donate thousands of hours toward making a positive impact in the communities they serve.

Meals like Super Greens and Brown Rice are often part of the nutritional education campaigns.

One major example is Panda Cares Day, an annual celebration that marks the foundation’s anniversary. On this day, thousands of Panda Express associates across the country engage in charitable acts, from school supply drives to hospital visits.

Responding to Crisis with Compassion

The foundation also steps up in times of disaster, providing emergency relief funding to support families affected by wildfires, hurricanes, and public health crises. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Panda Cares partnered with medical and relief organizations to provide meals and protective equipment to frontline healthcare workers and at-risk communities.

Through its relief arm, similar to Panda Aid, the foundation provides nutritious food during times of crisis.

Final Thoughts

The Panda Cares Foundation is more than a corporate charity—it’s a living embodiment of Panda Express’s core belief: that good food brings people together, and giving back keeps that spirit alive.

As Panda Express continues to grow its restaurant footprint across the U.S. and internationally, the Panda Cares Foundation grows with it—proving that kindness and community are always on the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions