Pilgrim’s Pride announced a $1 million investment to assist with community recovery needs and support long-term rebuilding efforts in Douglas, Georgia, resulting from Hurricane Helene damage.
“The community has always supported Pilgrim’s, and we want to ensure we’re doing all we can to support our team members and our neighbors during this challenging time,” said Mark Dean, Douglas Complex Manager, Pilgrim’s. “We are focused on contributing to rebuilding efforts so that we can get our town back to what it was as quickly as possible.”
Pilgrim’s is determining how funds will be spent as needs are identified, including potential partnerships with other organizations and local relief entities. The company is also working with local officials and its customers to provide supplies needed after the storm.
“I am proud that Pilgrim’s is located in our community,” said Douglass Mayor Tony Paulk. “Pilgrim’s is not just a company that says they are a community partner – every time we knock on Pilgrim’s door and ask for help, they always answer. The company continuously exceeds my expectations, and this situation is no different. With Pilgrim’s, you always know they are going to step up and support their own team and the community. And the love for Pilgrim’s employees is not confined to the walls of the facility; we feel and appreciate the company’s presence in our region, especially during times like these.”
Pilgrim’s employs more than 1,000 team members in Douglas. To directly support its workforce, the company committed to pay all Douglas team members for lost days of work associated with a power outage at the production facility. The company is also focused on supporting grower partners who have been affected.
“We are saddened by the widespread storm impacts in this region,” said Pilgrim’s CEO Fabio Sandri. “Though there is a lot of work to be done, our hope is that this investment will aid in critical relief efforts to support the people of Douglas.”