The Pilgrim’s Pride production facility in Arcadia, Wis., announced on March 28 a donation of $100,000 to the Arcadia Education Foundation in support of the Wanek Center, a new community recreation and event center located on the campus of the Arcadia School District.
“We are humbled to participate in a project that allows us to invest in the future of Arcadia for generations to come,” said Jayson Penn, Pilgrim’s Global CEO. “This community has shown incredible support to our plant and live operations, our team members and our growers, and we’re grateful for this opportunity to show our commitment in return.”
The Pilgrim’s donation will fund the primary community room and studio on the first floor of the facility.
The Arcadia complex joined the Pilgrim’s business in 2017. Since then, Pilgrim’s has invested more than $1 million in the facility, which includes construction of a new chiller and two loading docks to make the facility even more competitive. Pilgrim’s also built a number of chicken barns in the area, allowing for partnerships with additional local growers.
“Our nearly 500 team members don’t simply work at the Pilgrim’s complex here. They’re also active and involved members of the community who are raising their families here,” said Mandy Klopp, Pilgrim’s Arcadia Complex Manager. “So when Pilgrim’s invests in this project, we’re also investing in our team members, their families, their future and the community as a whole.”
The 71,500-square-foot Wanek Center will be used for wellness and recreational activities and will include a community gym, arena, indoor run/walk track, fitness center, exercise studio, community meeting room, adult and youth activity spaces and the Arcadia Public Library.
“This significant contribution from Pilgrim’s will unquestionably help this facility reach its full potential, and lay the foundation for future economic growth in the Arcadia area,” said Arcadia Mayor Rob Reichwein. “We’re very proud of Arcadia’s 70-year heritage in the broiler business, and of the hundreds of local employees and farmers who support not only Pilgrim’s Pride, but also support this entire community.”
