Tyson Foods has donated a truckload of chicken to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley to help eliminate hunger in the southern tip of Texas.
The food bank, which is the sixth largest in Texas based on distribution, will distribute the food through various agencies within its service area to help families in need obtain a more balanced and nutritious diet.
“We are grateful for Tyson Foods’ continued support. This donation shows their understanding of the struggle many working families have with hunger,” Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley CEO Terri Drefke said. “Congressman Hinojosa has also been a long-time champion, ensuring thousands of families in the Rio Grande Valley get the assistance they need.”
For nearly 30 years, the food bank has served the food-insecure population of Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties. Last year, the food bank distributed a record 35 million pounds of fresh produce and shelf-stable items.
Meat and poultry are nutrient dense foods, according to health experts, and 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. Since 2000, Tyson Foods has donated more than 99 million pounds of protein in the United States.
“The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley has a long history of providing food for those less fortunate in our community,” said U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa, D-Texas. “The people of the Rio Grande Valley have always had a generous heart and it is proven every day when thousands of people do not go hungry because of the efforts of the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. I thank everyone with Tyson Foods for their generous contribution that will help feed those who need nourishment. This considerate effort to help stamp out hunger in our community, and communities all over our country, is greatly appreciated.”
Tyson Foods’ “KNOW Hunger” campaign is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America. The company partners with Feeding America, Share Our Strength and Lift Up America to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation.
“Nearly 60 percent of the individuals who received support last year from the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley were faced with having to choose between receiving medication or medical treatment and buying food,” said Nora Venegas, director of federal government relations for Tyson Foods. “It’s our goal to help alleviate this need by providing protein to those in need but also raising awareness about how important protein is in a diet.”
