Tyson Foods makes $2.5 million donation to Feeding America

Meat giant Tyson Foods of Springdale announced Wednesday (Sept. 13) a $2.5 million donation to Feeding America and 2.5 million pounds of protein to help communities experiencing the highest rates of food insecurity. The company said the effort will provide 10 million meat servings.

“People are working hard to provide for themselves and their families, yet one in 10 Americans experience food insecurity, including nine million children,” said Erika Thiem, chief supply chain officer at Feeding America. “Tyson’s continued partnership, and their focus on equitable access, brings us one step closer to an America where no one is hungry.”

According to a news release, Tyson Foods will allocate $800,000 of its cash donation to support Equitable Food Access grants which aim to improve access to nutritious food among people experiencing the highest rates of food insecurity.

The remaining $1.7 million donation will support efforts to maintain and expand the capacity of eight protein “pack rooms” across the Feeding America network of local food banks. The protein pack rooms repackage bulk or private-label meat products into family-size bags so they can easily be distributed. The nonprofit said food banks often need more cooling/freezer capacity to keep perishable food items, and the grant will help expand infrastructure.

“At a time when millions of people across America face hunger, we’re proud to continue our partnership with Feeding America to help provide families and communities with access to nutritious, quality foods,” said Tim Grailer, senior director of social impact at Tyson Foods. “Hunger doesn’t have a season, but in September, we’re taking extra steps to raise awareness of food insecurity and show how much good food can do.”

Tyson Foods said it has donated more than 41 million pounds of meat valued at about $82 million to Feeding America since 2020. That food has been distributed through more than 200 member food banks and 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs across the country.