USA – Tyson Foods has announced a US$13 million commitment to support critical needs in local communities where the company operates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investment includes a US$2 million in community grants and more than US$11 million worth of products donated by the company.

Tyson Foods has also created a Community Response Fund that will distribute grants and food donations to non-profit organizations working to help people in Tyson Foods’ plant communities across the US Community grants will be awarded by invitation only.

The company said that the grants will be allocated in Tyson plant communities for non-profit organizations to help support Tyson team members and the local community.

The company’s investments will be focused on non-profit partners providing emergency response efforts such as rent and utility assistance, food distribution, health care, childcare, small business support and other economic recovery services

“Our company is proud to play a critical role in feeding the nation during this challenging time, and we recognize the importance of supporting our team members, their families and our plant communities,” said Tyson Foods CEO Noel White.

“The purpose of this special fund is to provide help where it’s needed most.”

Tyson has committed US$500,000 in financing to bolster the company’s existing Helping Hands program, which offers financial assistance to team members following a disaster or personal hardship.

The company said that it will also offer a special matched giving opportunity. In a statement, the Tyson Foods said:

“Funds have been allocated to the company’s Giving Together program to amplify the impact of giving from team members and encourage the support of a wide variety of non-profit organizations.”

As part of the human relief efforts, the company has so far donated four million pounds of protein, valued at US$11 million, since early March and is further expanding hunger relief efforts.

The company is making product donations to the Tyson Community Pantry Program for local solutions to hunger and meal boxes to Tyson drivers who may have difficulty accessing food while on the road.

Other efforts include summer product donations to ensure the most vulnerable have access to food during summer break and additional donation of semi-trailers with approximately 35,000 pounds of product deployed to Tyson plant locations for hourly team members and the community.