Mountain Dew and Pepsi Stronger Together – PepsiCo's series of tailored community grassroots-based programs – together with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, will thank frontline healthcare workers, small businesses, and consumers in Atlanta, just in time for NBA All-Star 2021.

The NBA All-Star Mountain Dew and Pepsi Stronger Together partnership will engage four minority-owned Atlanta restaurants – The Slutty Vegan, Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, Slim & Husky's, and Scoville Hot Chicken – to deliver 2,000 surprise lunches to hospital workers at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center and Northside Hospital this Friday, March 5. The deliveries will feature specially-made "All-Star Meals," each highlighting a local Atlanta favorite or a well- known dish. As an added benefit to the four participating restaurants, each will receive a $10,000 grant from Mountain Dew, through the Georgia Restaurant Association, to help ease the burden they have endured as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers across Georgia will also be delighted that the brand is covering all DoorDash delivery fees – a promotion that will be automatically applied to all orders made through March 7, the night of the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

"Supporting local communities and small businesses is core to the Pepsi Stronger Together program. We are thrilled to participate in this initiative with Mountain Dew and its valued Atlanta partners in recognition of those who help make the city so great," said Derek Lewis, President, South Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America. "In the true spirit of NBA All-Star, this is our way of celebrating some of the most deserving All-Stars in the community. Not least of which is Shaquille O'Neal, a valued partner of Pepsi Stronger Together and such an integral force in the Atlantacommunity."

In honor of Shaquille O'Neal's birthday, cupcakes made by local baker Pastry Addict will also be included with each meal given to hospital workers – all as a way for the NBA Legend himself to share a slice of his birthday cake with the true all-stars of Atlanta.

"The Georgia Restaurant Association is proud and honored to be working with Pepsi on this amazing opportunity to support Georgia's independent restaurants," said Karen Bremer, President and CEO of Georgia Restaurant Association. "While all restaurants have faced challenges due to COVID, independent restaurants have had the hardest time being able to shift and adapt."

Mountain Dew will continue to paint the town green with exclusive NBA All-Star signage across Atlanta (image attached), and will be giving out free product to Atlanta residents through their COVID-friendly drive through at select retail locations.