SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Tyson Foods Inc. announced on Sept. 7 that it would commit $2.5 million to address food insecurity by partnering with Feeding America member food banks to provide greater access to protein in communities facing hunger. 

The company added that Tyson also plans to donate 2.5 million lbs of protein or the equivalent of 10 million meals during September. 

“Tyson has been a long-time partner of Feeding America, as their mission to improve access to nutritious food for all, is aligned with our mission to Feed the World,” said Tim Grailer, senior director for Tyson Foods. “This partnership with Feeding America to expand capacity and help rural communities and communities of color is the next step in our evolving strategic partnership. With inflation putting pressures on the charitable food system, both increasing their costs and the need for their services, there has never been a more important time to support these efforts.”

Moreover, Tyson Foods plans to dispense $1 million of its donation to support Equitable Food Access grants. The allocation aims to improve access to nutritious food among people experiencing the highest rates of food insecurity, with a focus on communities of color and/or people living in rural communities.

The remainder of Tyson’s $2.5 million donation will go towards Feeding America and member food banks’ efforts to expand capacity to repack bulk or private label protein products into family size quantities.

“While hunger exists in every county across the country, it impacts each community in vastly different ways, requiring thoughtful and strategic solutions,” said Erika Thiem, chief supply chain officer of Feeding America. “One in eight people, including one in six children, in America are food insecure. As food banks continue to face increasing demand, we’re thankful for partners like Tyson, whose ongoing food and fund donations are supporting our network’s efforts to increase access to protein, a high-need item, and ensure equitable access to food for communities facing hunger.”

Tyson said that since 2006 it has donated nearly $3.5 million to Feeding America and $223 million worth of protein to local member food banks.

During July, the meat producer awarded $1.5 million in grants to 63 non-profit organizations to support hunger relief and community assistance programs.