Waitrose has committed a £1m investment through the Waitrose Foundation to fund global water security and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) programmes by 2028.

The funding aims to target projects that improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene across Waitrose’s international farming communities, particularly in regions most affected by climate change and water scarcity.

The retailer said the investment will help provide long-term resilience and livelihoods for workers and their families through initiatives such as pipelines, water-smart irrigation systems and safe drinking water access.

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Waitrose director of ethics and sustainability Marija Rompani said: “Clean water is fundamental for human health, economic development and education, particularly for women and children who are often disproportionately affected by water scarcity and waterborne diseases. This investment will be crucial to our Foundation communities.”

The initiative forms the next phase of the supermarket chain’s Foundation’s Global Strategic Fund, which supports large-scale projects tackling global challenges. The Foundation donates 15% of its annual income to the fund and has already invested over £1 million in climate resilience programmes between 2022 and 2025.

Marking its 20th anniversary, the Waitrose Foundation has now generated more than £24 million, delivering over 2,100 community-led projects across 10 countries and working with 400 farm partners worldwide.