Companies donate 29,000 pounds of protein to Food Bank of Western New York
BUFFALO, N.Y. (March 22, 2011) Tyson Foods and Delaware North Companies today donated 29,000 pounds of boneless chicken to the Food Bank of Western New York as part of an effort to feed people in need and promote public awareness of hunger in America.
“There are millions of hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are faced with the realities of hunger and malnourishment,” said John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods. “We are trying to make a difference in their lives by providing nutrient-rich protein and by increasing understanding of hunger in our country.”
Meat and poultry are nutrient dense foods and, according to health experts, 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.
“On behalf of Delaware North Companies and the Jacobs family, we are proud to partner with Tyson Foods in giving 29,000 pounds of protein to the Food Bank of Western New York,” said Charles Moran, president and chief operating officer of Delaware North Companies. “As one of the largest and most admired food service companies in the world, donating to hunger relief organizations has always been an important part of our culture. We are proud to continue this tradition of giving here today.”
The Food Bank of Western New York distributes more than 10 million pounds of food annually throughout its four county service area. Approximately 100,000 residents, including 39,000 children and 11,000 seniors, receive emergency food assistance each year from the Food Bank and its over 400 member agencies.
“It is very important for us to provide protein to our clients. Receiving 29,000 pounds of boneless chicken will go a long way in helping us feed the hungry with nutritious food,” said Gary Maybach, Trade Relations at the Food Bank of WNY.
Tyson Foods has been an active participant in the fight against hunger for a decade, donating more than 78 million pounds of protein, or the equivalent of 300 million meals. The company partners with Share Our Strength, Lift Up America, Feeding America, the League of United Latin American Citizens to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation.
Tyson Foods’ year-long “KNOW Hunger” campaign is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America. It includes the recent release of a study on public perceptions of hunger, as well as a commitment to donate one million pounds of protein to food banks in 23 U.S. markets during the month of March.
Tyson and the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) recently commissioned a study on public perceptions of hunger. Among other things, it found that most surveyed believe hunger is a much smaller problem in their own community than it is in the state or the nation overall. Yet, 24 percent of those surveyed worry they will have trouble putting food on the table this year. Survey details are available by clicking on www.tysonhungerrelief.com.
To hear the testimony of three prominent Americans who experienced hunger as children, go to www.tysonfoods.com/Media-Room.aspx and click on “three perspectives.” Information about how to get involved in the fight against hunger is available at www.tysonhungerrelief.com.