The American Egg Board (AEB) and Tyson Foods yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) affirming their intent to partner in natural disaster relief efforts on an ongoing basis. The MoU sets forth a framework for cooperation in the delivery of aid and was signed by representatives from both organizations at one of this country’s largest industry shows, the International Product & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.
“America’s egg farmers are committed to feeding Americans in good times and in times of crisis. Our egg farmers have a history and culture of jumping in during natural disasters to share their eggs and egg products — a welcome and portable nutritional powerhouse. During Hurricane Harvey, U.S. egg farmers distributed over 800,000 egg servings. With Tyson as our trusted partner in natural disaster philanthropic efforts going forward, we’ll be able to fully leverage our reach and effectiveness,” said Anne L. Alonzo, AEB President & CEO.
Throughout Tyson Foods’ history, the company’s team members have been quick to respond when disaster strikes in or near their communities. In 2012, the company unveiled a new tool for use in disaster response. As part of the Meals that Matter disaster relief program, the company outfitted a 53-foot-semi-trailer with refrigerated space to store up to 20,000 pounds of product and dry storage to transport supplies to set up a feeding site and support Tyson Foods cook teams.
The company’s disaster relief efforts include deployments in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma, as well as flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Houston.
“Our company purpose is to raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do,” said Debra Vernon, senior director, corporate social responsibility at Tyson Foods. “We’re grateful to have the American Egg Board assist our disaster relief efforts and aid in bringing our purpose to life.”
AEB Chairman Jeff Hardin, Cal-Maine Foods, who was part of the September 2017 AEB and Tyson Hurricane Harvey cook site effort in Conroe, TX, also remarked: “There’s a tremendous need for food in disasters like this, and egg farmers feed people. We benefitted from Tyson’s know-how and substantial operations on the ground. In turn, they were delighted to be able to include our eggs in the effort. Eggs and chicken are perfect proteins, and this is a perfect partnership opportunity.”
