Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods has announced its commitment of $2.5 million to address food insecurity by partnering with Feeding America member food banks to provide greater access to protein in communities facing hunger.
This September, during Hunger Action Month, Tyson is also donating 2.5 million pounds of protein, the equivalent of 10 million meals, to alleviate hunger.
“While hunger exists in every county across the country, it impacts each community in vastly different ways, requiring thoughtful and strategic solutions,” said Erika Thiem, chief supply chain officer, Feeding America.
“One in eight people, including one in six children, in America are food insecure. As food banks continue to face increasing demand, we’re thankful for partners like Tyson, whose ongoing food and fund donations are supporting our network’s efforts to increase access to protein, a high-need item, and ensure equitable access to food for communities facing hunger,”
The company will allocate $1 million of its donation to support Equitable Food Access grants, which aim to improve access to nutritious food among people experiencing the highest rates of food insecurity, with a focus on communities of color and/or people living in rural communities.
The remainder of Tyson’s $2.5 million donation will go towards Feeding America and member food banks’ efforts to expand capacity to repack bulk or private label protein products into family size quantities, thus increasing the types of protein that can easily be donated and distributed.
“Tyson has been a long-time partner of Feeding America, as their mission to improve access to nutritious food for all, is aligned with our mission to Feed the World. This partnership with Feeding America to expand capacity and help rural communities and communities of color is the next step in our evolving strategic partnership,” said Tim Grailer, senior director, Tyson Foods.
“With inflation putting pressures on the charitable food system, both increasing their costs and the need for their services, there has never been a more important time to support these efforts.”
Since 2006, Tyson Foods has donated almost $3.5 million to Feeding America and $223 million of protein to local member food banks.
For more information, visit tysonfoods.com.
