Tyson Foods, Inc., has announced that it has given more than $1.1 million in community grants and product donations to the greater Chicago area during its 2016 fiscal year, which ended Oct. 1.
The company’s charitable giving efforts are focused on two areas: Addressing hunger relief, and promoting health and nutrition education by partnering with organizations such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Top Box Foods.
“It’s important for us to make a difference in the communities where our team members live and work and in Chicago, we’re doing that by tackling the issue of hunger in a variety of ways,” said Sara Lilygren, executive vice president, corporate affairs. “We’re proud of our nonprofit partners, who are committed to helping us pave the way.”
Throughout the year Tyson Foods made 11 product donations equal to nearly 1 million meals to Chicago area food banks.
Tyson Foods has been active in hunger relief for many years, donating more than 100 million pounds of protein to food banks and other relief agencies since 2000. In 2015, the company announced $50 million in cash and in-kind donations over the ensuing five years in the fight against hunger.
Tyson Foods also recently announced a partnership with Chicago Urban League and the Greater Chicago Food Depository to address and spread awareness of food insecurity through protein donations, thought leadership exercises, community engagement events and hunger education opportunities.
Additionally, more than 100 Tyson Foods team members participated in the Food Depository’s 30th Annual Hunger Walk, Chicago’s largest anti-hunger rally that raises awareness and benefits Cook County’s food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.
“The Greater Chicago Food Depository is incredibly grateful for Tyson’s partnership in the fight against hunger,” said Jill Zimmerman, vice president of development at the Food Depository. “During a time of continued high need, Tyson supports our mission with generous product donations, investments in our programs, and sponsorship of events that raise awareness in the community to end hunger.”
Other organizations Tyson Foods has supported in the Chicago area include Chicago Fund on Aging and Disability, Chicago Youth Centers, Girl Scouts and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
