Springdale, Ark. – July 25, 2016 – Tyson Foods, Inc. donated 64,400 pounds of protein this month to food banks in West Virginia in response to the recent historic flooding in that state.
The Facing Hunger Food Bank in Huntington, West Virginia, and the Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway, West Virginia, both received a donation of chicken that will provide thousands of meals to residents in need.
“The recent donation from Tyson Foods was extremely helpful, as we continue to address the needs of so many our neighbors who have been affected by the recent flooding,” said Cynthia Kirkhart, executive director, Facing Hunger Food Bank. “Protein is very important to the 117,000 clients we serve and the nutritional benefits of this donation are certainly long-term and far reaching."
Food pantries and agencies served by both food banks lost product and working with those organizations to restock inventory has been a top priority.
"We are extremely grateful for donors likes Tyson Foods who stepped up to the plate for the people of West Virginia during the recent flooding,” said Chad Morrison, executive director, Mountaineer Food Bank. “Tyson's donation of chicken filled a critical need as we work with hot meal programs and food pantries in 11 of the designated disaster counties. We were able to work with many partners across the area to make sure folks still had a warm meal as they dealt with the disaster."
Among all protein processors, Tyson Foods is the largest donor of meat and poultry to Feeding America and its network of food banks. Tyson Foods has been an active participant in the fight against hunger since 2000, donating more than 100 million pounds of protein. Last year, Tyson Foods pledged $50 million in cash or in-kind donations over the next five years in the continued fight against hunger, with a special focus on innovative initiatives.
Tyson Foods’ “KNOW Hunger” campaign is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It's a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 113,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
About Mountaineer Food Bank
Mountaineer Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit hunger relief organization that leads the fight against hunger in 48 counties in West Virginia. Our network consists of over 400 feeding programs including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, senior programs and Backpack Program. To learn more about Mountaineer Food Bank and how to help solve hunger in your community, visit our website at www.mountaineerfoodbank.org.
About Facing Hunger Food Bank
Facing Hunger Food Bank is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization affiliated with Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief charity. With a network of more than 200 member agencies, the Food Bank's service region spans 17 counties across West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. To learn more about how you can help the Facing Hunger Food Bank, please visit www.facinghunger.org.
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Contacts: Derek Burleson, 479-290-6466, derek.burleson@tyson.com