SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Severe storms that included flash floods, high winds and a possible tornado tore through the Southwest March 30, including Tyson Foods Inc.’s hometown of Springdale, Ark., reportedly resulted in the destruction of homes, businesses and schools and caused power outages and scores of injuries. In support of disaster relief efforts in Northwest Arkansas, Tyson announced it is donating protein to provide more than 1 million meals to area residents, first responders, volunteers and the company’s employees. Tyson said its workers are offered financial assistance for such hardships by applying for benefits from its Helping Hands program.

Tyson is working with the Jones Center in Springdale along with volunteers from the Treehouse Pantry, which is also a Community Pantry Program partner, to start distributing donated food and serve meals to those in need almost immediately after the storms ended.

“We’re deeply saddened by the damage here in our hometown of Springdale and want to do our part to help the people affected,” said John Tyson, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer of Tyson Foods.

Tyson workers also launched a donation program to accept non-perishable foods and school supplies to support families of the Springdale School District who were affected by the storms. Volunteers from the company are also helping with clean-up efforts in the area.

“We’re working with our local community partners to amplify their support and do our best to help those in need,” John Tyson added.