001249 Tyson Donates 300,000 Pounds of Chicken

Springdale, AR - Tyson Foods, Inc. is donating a total of 300,000 pounds of chicken during the holiday season to food banks around the country, which will provide 1.5 million meals to those at risk of hunger. This holiday donation is part of Tyson's commitment to distribute 6.5 million pounds of product over the next three years in partnership with leading anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength.

Tyson's 80-plus facilities are also supporting the company's commitment to fight hunger by making local donations and holding fundraisers for local anti- hunger organizations. In addition, some of the facilities have collected recyclable cans and used the proceeds to purchase holiday food baskets for the needy in their communities.

“We're very proud of all of our facilities that are making donations, not only during the holiday season, but all year-round, to help feed those less fortunate,” said John Tyson, chairman, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “We've always been committed to charitable activities, and now our partnership with Share Our Strength helps unite our team members together to focus on battling hunger.”

Even though our country is enjoying economic prosperity, there are still 31 million Americans -- nearly 15 million are children -- who are at risk of hunger or malnutrition at the holidays and all year long. In addition, an October 2000 study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that approximately four to 6% of adults surveyed in eight states reported not having enough food for themselves or their families during the previous month.

In May of this year, Tyson launched its $10 million partnership with Share Our Strength. In addition to product donations, the partnership includes Tyson team member volunteer programs; advertising and marketing support; and national sponsorship of Operation Frontline, Share Our Strength's nutrition education program.

“In the short time that we've been working with Tyson, we've been amazed by their dedication to fighting hunger,” said Bill Shore, founder and executive director of Share Our Strength. “Their generous product donations, both during the holidays and throughout the year, and national sponsorship of Operation Frontline are helping make a positive impact in the lives of millions of hungry Americans.”

Share Our Strength, one of the nation's leading anti-hunger, anti-poverty organizations, meets immediate demands for food while investing in long-term solutions to end hunger and poverty. Share Our Strength meets its goals by mobilizing individuals and industries to contribute their talents to the fight against hunger and creates community wealth to promote lasting change.

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