Tyson Foods Lends Helping Hand in Fight Against Hunger
Tyson Foods donates more than 14 tons of protein to River Bend Foodbank in honor of its 10th anniversary in the fight against hunger
MOLINE, Ill., Oct. 1, 2010 - An estimated 5.7 million people receive emergency food assistance each week, and more than one in every three households experience very low food security, according to the 2010 Hunger in America Report. Today, Tyson Foods donated over 28,000 pounds of much-needed protein to River Bend Foodbank, a member of Feeding America. The donation was made in honor of the company's month-long celebration of its 10thanniversary of active support for hunger relief nationwide.
"This significant food donation from Tyson will allow us to impact lives when the need for food has never been greater," said Tom Laughlin, executive director of River Bend Foodbank. "Donations of poultry and other high-protein foods are especially valuable as they allow us to provide our agencies with more healthy, nutritious options.
"September is Hunger Action Month and Feeding America is asking all Americans to take action to fight domestic hunger. Throughout Hunger Action Month, Feeding America's nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, including the River Bend Foodbank, are calling upon communities to take action through the "30 Ways in 30 Days" campaign. Whether it's by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or giving your time and energy, they urge everyone to find a way to make a difference.
One in six Americans is going hungry. Over the past 10 years, the number of families accessing food shelves has increased by 50 percent. In 2009, the River Bend Foodbank distributed more than 6.3 million pounds of food in its fight against hunger and served over 10,000 people each week. River Bend Foodbank serves over 300 agencies across 22 counties in both Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.
"There are millions of hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are faced with the realities of hunger," said Donnie Smith, Tyson president and CEO. "Many people don't realize the scope of hunger in their own community. We hope that by making this donation, we're not only helping feed some people, but also are making more people aware of hunger in the Moline area."
Since 2000, Tyson Foods has been a leader in the fight against hunger. The company is actively engaged in food-donation events and fund-raising activities year-round to benefit those in need. The protein given by Tyson today brings the company's total in-kind donations since 2000 to more than 76 million pounds. This milestone equates to more than 296 million meals donated to food banks and agencies serving local communities around the country. Last year alone, Tyson donated nearly eight million pounds of protein to Feeding America. For more information on how to get involved in the fight against hunger, go to http://www.tysonhungerrelief.com
River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing 6.3 million pounds of food annually to more than 300 charitable feeding programs throughout a 22 county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. The Foodbank also operates four Kids Café sites serving over 45,000 free meals to children each year, the Backpack Program which provides over 1,200 Quad City children with nourishing food to take home on the weekends during the school year and the Mobile Food Pantry which directly feeds thousands of families.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN - News), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 117,000 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 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.
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