041020 Tyson Foods Donates 100 Million Meals

New York, NY - Tyson Foods, Inc. in partnership with Share Our Strength announces today the success of providing 100 million meals, or more than 20 million pounds of chicken, beef and pork, to benefit more than 400 hunger-relief organizations across the U.S. At the start of Tyson Foods' partnership with the leading anti-hunger organization an initial commitment to donate 6.5 million pounds of high- quality protein was exceeded after just 18 months into the partnership.

"As the world's largest protein company, our donation efforts with Share Our Strength focus on ensuring that this essential component of a healthy diet is available to those who might otherwise go without," said John Tyson, chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods, Inc. "We have reached a significant milestone in Tyson's journey in the fight against hunger, and will remain strong in our efforts to support organizations who work constantly on the frontlines for solutions to end hunger."

According to the recent Census Bureau's annual poverty report, the poverty rate

in America rose by 4% last year to 35.9 million people, one-third of which are children. No one knows this better than those families who depend on a weekly visit to the food pantry to fill their otherwise empty pantry. Generally it is estimated that about 15% of a family income goes toward food. So many times, the decision between paying the rent can take precedence over other necessities -- like food.

In celebration of the donation of 100 million meals and its continued commitment to the fight against hunger, today Tyson donated 40,000 pounds of frozen chicken to the Food Bank For New York City, the nation's largest food bank, which will benefit more than 200,000 New Yorkers at-risk of hunger with high-quality protein.

"We are ever grateful to Tyson Foods for their continued commitment to provide New Yorkers with access to protein -- an item that is least often donated to hunger relief efforts," said Tyrone Harrysingh, vice president and COO of the Food Bank. "Our member agencies tell us they look forward to being able to enhance their pantry stock, the majority of which is shelf-stable, with fresh items like chicken or beef."

"The level of generosity and support Tyson and its team members provide to help feed our nation's hungry is astounding," said Bill Shore, founder and executive director of Share Our Strength. "With the help of corporations like Tyson, we can raise the awareness and understanding of this important issue to a new level, and make a difference in both short term and long term solutions."

In addition to the hundreds of donations made each year, Tyson is the national sponsor of Share Our Strength's Operation Frontline, which provides parents (and kids) who struggle on a low income, the cooking and nutrition skills they need to make healthy and economical food choices. Tyson provides financial, product and volunteer support for the program in 15 states and Washington, D.C. to more than 200 communities nationwide. Since the partnership began, the Operation Frontline program has expanded by 50% with Tyson's assistance.

This year Share Our Strength marks its 20th anniversary of providing short and long term hunger solutions for the more than 33 million people, including 13 million children, who are food insecure in the U.S. Its annual Conference of Leaders, held in New York this week brings together representatives from the corporate, food-service and non-profit industries to review the current state of food insecurity in this country and continue the planning and action needed to effect change and determine solutions in the fight against hunger.

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