AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 15, 2016 – Tyson Foods and the City of Austin today publicly recognized local resident Lola Stephens-Bell and her extraordinary efforts fighting hunger in the community. Stephens-Bell is the first individual honored as part of the company’s pledge to invest $50 million in cash and in-kind donations over the next five years to fight hunger, with a special focus on local initiatives.
Meet Lola Stephens-Bell, touching hearts through her soul food: www.TysonHungerRelief.com
As owner of Nubian Queen Lola’s Cajun Soul Food café for the past 12 years, Stephens-Bell sees and fights hunger every day. While running her restaurant, she serves free meals to those in need and she closes the restaurant four days a week to drive meals to underserved people in East Austin.
Tyson Foods presented Stephens-Bell with a customized food delivery bus with newly installed features that will help the local restaurant owner take her spirit of feeding the hungry to more communities in the Austin area.
“When we first met Lola a few months ago, we were completely blown away by her selfless dedication to serving others,” said Sara Lilygren, executive vice president, corporate affairs at Tyson Foods, Inc. “It’s people like Lola – people who treat hunger not as an abstract idea, but as a problem that can be solved one meal at a time – that make a difference. And Tyson Foods is honored to support Lola’s dedication to the community.”
Tyson Foods also announced today that it will continue to support Stephens-Bell’s efforts with twice-a-week donations of protein to her operation. A large product donation was made in Stephens-Bell’s honor from Tyson Foods to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas to benefit members of the community.
“When I started feeding the hungry 12 years ago, I didn’t realize the impact it would have not only on the community, but also on me,” Stephens-Bell said. “I came from nothing, so it means everything to give. I’d like to thank Tyson Foods, not only for supporting me, but for also supporting Austin.”
Stephens-Bell was presented with the renovated bus at Austin’s Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. In attendance were City Council Member Ora Houston, Community Cabinet member Dr. Kazique J. Prince, Chief Justice Jeff Rose of the Third District Court of Appeals, and Stephens-Bell’s many friends and family members.
Stephens-Bell was further recognized by Mayor Steve Adler in a mayoral proclamation establishing January 15th as Lola’s Meals that Matter Day. Members of the public that would like to support Stephens-Bell and her work are encouraged to donate to her directly through her Generosity by Indiegogo crowdfunding page.
About Tyson Foods’ KNOW Hunger Initiative
After donating 100 million pounds of food over 15 years, Tyson Foods renewed its commitment in the fight against hunger in 2015 by pledging $50 million in cash and in-kind donations over the next five years. This commitment focuses specifically on innovative initiatives at the local level.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 113,000 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 Foods 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.
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Media Contact:
Derek Burleson
Tyson Foods, Public Relations
479-651-0275