MIAMI, Nov. 29, 2011 –  For the seventh consecutive year, Lift Up America and the Miami Dolphins teamed up with Tyson Foods, Inc. to tackle hunger in South Florida. Miami Dolphins’ players were on hand Tuesday, Nov. 29, to help unload and distribute 30,000 pounds of protein, donated by Tyson, to more than 50 of Feeding South Florida’s member charities. The donation event was held at the Sun Life Stadium at 11:30 a.m. and included a press conference with representatives from each organization.  

"In this critical time of need for so many hungry families, it is encouraging to see these caring organizations come together to lift the human spirit of others,” said Eric Hannah, president of Lift Up America.

In South Florida alone, 936,000 individuals are food insecure; 36 percent of those served are children.

“Providing meals for those in need during the holiday season is a long standing Dolphins tradition, and we are proud to partner with Tyson and Lift Up America once again to deliver much-needed protein to families in South Florida,” said Adam Grossman, senior VP of public affairs, Miami Dolphins.

Last year, Feeding South Florida distributed 29 million pounds of food to more than 700 non-profit community organizations located throughout Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

“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.”

Protein is an excellent source of energy and an important part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, protein is the item that is donated to food banks the least. The chicken donated today by Tyson is one of the most concentrated sources of protein—an essential nutrient of life.

“We are grateful to Lift Up America, Tyson Foods and the Miami Dolphins for coming together to provide nutritious protein that will help thousands of local families,” said Judith Gatti, Executive Director of Feeding South Florida. “The donation from Tyson could not come at a better time, thankfully more people will be able to have a nutritious meal this holiday.”

Feeding South Florida™ (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) is a not-for-profit organization that empowers other South Florida not-for-profit organizations to assist people in need and improve their lives. Feeding South Florida does this by providing food and other grocery products; and by educating and engaging our community to fight hunger and poverty. Through a local network of more than 700 other not-for-profit organizations, Feeding South Florida strives to serve children, the elderly, the mentally and physically challenged, veterans and the working poor with compassion and integrity. Feeding South Florida is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Over 29 million pounds of food are distributed within the community by Feeding South Florida each year. Feeding South Florida’s headquarters is located at 2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL, 33023. For more information, please call (954) 518-1818 or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

Lift Up America, Founded in 2004, is a collaborative effort of companies including Tyson, Ty and Give the Gift of Sight (a Luxottica Group Foundation), working with professional and college sports teams and local nonprofit agencies to provide the gifts of food, sight, hearing, hope and comfort to our nation’s less fortunate.  In 2006 Lift Up America added such major corporations as Starkey Hearing Foundation, Interstate Batteries and Cinemark Theaters to implement the “Giving Hope Tour,” adding the gift of entertainment to those we serve. Lift Up America, through our sponsors, provided more than $25 million in hearing aids, helped approximately 26,000 people in need of prescription eyeglasses, delivered 20 million meals and over 40 million dollars in scholarships to the less fortunate across America.  For more information about Lift Up America, please visit www.LiftUpAmerica.org.

Tyson Foods, Inc.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:  TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves.  Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 130 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. To find out more about the Tyson Foods commitment to hunger relief, go to http://www.tysonhungerrelief.com

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Worth Sparkman, Tyson Foods, Inc., 479-290-6358, worth.sparkman@tyson.com

Anthea Pennant, Feeding South Florida, 954-518-1832, apennant@feedingsouthflorida.org

Jason Jenkins, Miami Dolphins, 954-452-7010, jjenkins@dolphins.com

Cindy Hestand, Lift Up America, 858-485-1493, cindy.hestand@liftupamerica.org