Tyson donates 27,000 pounds of protein to Food Bank For New York City
New York, NY, March 30, 2011 – Today Tyson Foods donated 27,000 pounds of boneless chicken to the Food Bank For New York City as part of an effort to feed people in need and promote public awareness of hunger in America.
“There are millions of hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are faced with the realities of hunger and malnourishment,” said John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods. “We are trying to make a difference in their lives by providing nutrient-rich protein and by increasing understanding of hunger in our country.”
Meat and poultry are nutrient dense foods and, according to health experts, can be especially helpful to people who need more protein including growing children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone undergoing severe stress disease or disability. According to food banks nationwide, meat is the most requested and least available food.
Last year, Food Bank For New York City distributed 74 million pounds of food, including more than 14 million pounds of fresh produce. One in five New York City resident relies on the Food Bank’s programs and services. Through its network of approximately 1,000 community-based member programs citywide, the Food Bank helps provide 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need.
“Approximately 3 million New Yorkers are struggling to put food on the table. The recession has depleted the savings of the lowest-income New Yorkers, leaving them even more vulnerable to food poverty. In addition, according to Food Bank research, NYC residents are making sacrifices such as reducing their food intake and the quality of their food to get by financially,” said Lucy Cabrera, Ph.D., Food Bank President & CEO.
“Approximately1.4 million New Yorkers rely on emergency food at soup kitchens and food pantries, including one in five children and one in six seniors. This wonderful donation will be distributed to the Food Bank’s network of assistance programs throughout the five boroughs, and will help the Food Bank meet the growing demand for nutritious food. We are enormously grateful to Tyson for their commitment to hunger-relief and for their ongoing support.”
Tyson Foods has been an active participant in the fight against hunger for a decade, donating more than 78 million pounds of protein, or the equivalent of 300 million meals. The company partners with Share Our Strength, Lift Up America, Feeding America, the League of United Latin American Citizens to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation.
The company’s current “KNOW Hunger” campaign is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America. It currently involves the recent release of a study on public perceptions of hunger, as well as a commitment to donate one million pounds of protein to 37 food banks during the month of March.
Tyson and the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) recently commissioned a study on public perceptions of hunger. Among other things, it found that most surveyed believe hunger is a much smaller problem in their own community than it is in the state or the nation overall. Yet, 24% of those surveyed worry they will have trouble putting food on the table this year. Survey details are available here.
To hear the testimony of a former professional football player and current network sports commentator who experienced hunger as a child click here. Information about how to get involved in the fight against hunger is available here.
About Food Bank For New York City
Food Bank For New York City recognizes 28 years as the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs. As the city’s hub for integrated food poverty assistance, the Food Bank tackles the hunger issue on three fronts — food distribution, income support and nutrition education — all strategically guided by its research. Through its network of approximately 1,000 community-based member programs citywide, the Food Bank helps provide 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need.
Food Bank’s hands-on nutrition education program in the public schools reaches thousands of children, teens and adults. Income support services including food stamps, free tax assistance for the working poor and the Earned Income Tax Credit put millions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income New Yorkers, helping them to achieve greater dignity and independence. 94% of donations go directly toward food distribution, acquisition and programs in all five boroughs of New York City. Learn how you can help at foodbanknyc.org.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), 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 115,000 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.