Perdue has committed a minimum of one million pounds of protein to support relief efforts in Houston and surrounding communities in southeastern Texas following historic flooding from Hurricane Harvey.
Donated protein will be directed to local Feeding America-affiliated food banks and the Houston Independent School District.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those people affected by this developing tragedy,” said Steve Evans, president of Perdue Foods. “The images of suffering are heartbreaking and we’re compelled to do our part to help. We hope that our donation will provide some level of comfort to those impacted. We know the recovery process will be long and difficult for many, and Perdue will continue to look for ways to assist.”
As part of Perdue’s ongoing commitment to Feeding America, approximately half of the protein donation will be distributed to food banks in the Houston area, and Victoria and San Antonio, Texas. Rescue efforts are also under way for pets and animals, and Perdue has donated nearly 68,000 pounds of its Spot Farms brand dehydrated dog food to Feeding America.
“As families in Houston and other areas in Texas that were devastated by Hurricane Harvey struggle to reclaim their communities, Feeding America is grateful to partners like Perdue that respond quickly with valuable product,” said Bill Thomas, chief supply chain officer at Feeding America. “Perdue’s contribution of fresh and frozen protein will provide nourishment through feeding sites to Texans who have been forced to evacuate as well as help fill meal boxes for those in their homes but recovering from the damage. Their donation of pet food recognizes the importance of feeding the whole family.”
In addition, the Houston Independent School District will receive 500,000 pounds of protein to assist feed victims and first responders through a network of nine feeding center in surrounding communities.
As HISD Nutrition Officer Betti Wiggins explains, “So many people – our students and their families, employees, and the community at-large – have lost so much. They’re worried about basic things, like shelter and how to start the rebuilding process. The donation from Perdue Farms will help us to feed them good, nutritious food and that will be one less thing for them to worry about.”
