Tyson Foods Inc. donated 27,240 pounds of chicken today (April 17) to the Arkansas Rice Depot in conjunction with the statewide food bank’s new freezer dedication and open house.
Tyson Foods has been a long-time supporter of the Arkansas Rice Depot, which supports food pantries in all 75 counties in Arkansas. The agency combats hunger in Arkansas by annually distributing more than 9 million pounds of food every year, accounting for 15% of the state’s population.
“Words cannot express how grateful we are for Tyson Foods ‘generous donation,” said Laura Rhea, President and CEO of Arkansas Rice Depot. “Without the support of organizations like Tyson, we would not be able to serve hundreds of thousands of individuals, seniors, and children who might otherwise go to bed hungry. This donation will add a needed source of protein to the meals of the families we serve.”
Meat and poultry are nutrient dense foods, according to health experts, and can be especially helpful to people who need more protein including growing children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone undergoing severe stress, disease or disability. According to food banks nationwide, meat is the most requested and least available food.
“The Arkansas Rice Depot helps so many Arkansans each and every day,” said Jeff Wood, Community Manager for Tyson Foods. “I hope this event will help bring awareness to the great work they’re doing to fight hunger.”