Publish Date
Headline
Tyson Foods, Lift Up America and KTVB Partner To Fight Hunger in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho – Dec. 10, 2016 – Tyson Foods, Inc. partnered with Lift Up America and KTVB News Group in Boise, Idaho, today to host a food donation telethon event at Albertsons Stadium located on the campus of Boise State University.

Tyson Foods participated in the event by donating 32,000 pounds of protein. The event encouraged community members to get involved with hunger relief in Idaho. Along with the news station, there were 36 other donation sites around Idaho.

Lift Up America’s goal is to provide a unique approach to fighting poverty. It creates and hosts events that inspire communities to participate in events to help those less fortunate. By partnering with corporations and individuals, Lift Up America is able to host a wide variety of events benefiting those in need, including this telethon. By including two other locations along with Boise as donation location, a larger amount of individuals are able to participate.

“Tyson is sparking a bonfire of charitable giving in Idaho. The 7Cares Idaho Shares event supports the Idaho Food Bank and local homeless shelters as the community works to strengthen the local safety net,” said Doug Armstrong, KTVB-NBC News Group President and General Manager. “The Tyson donation will be featured on a 6-hour telethon, and it is a centerpiece challenge to local corporations and individuals to likewise give. This growing event is successful because of Tyson’s generosity.”

Meat and poultry are nutrient dense foods and, according to health experts, can be especially helpful to people who need more protein including children and seniors. According to food banks nationwide, meat and poultry are the most requested and least available food items.

“Through our partnership with Lift Up America we are able to be part of their movement within different communities to achieve our goal of ending hunger,” said Matt Pakula, manager of corporate social responsibility for Tyson Foods. “Food insecurity is a very real issue, and we hope this donation will help the immediate need for protein this holiday season.”

Tyson Foods has been an active participant in the fight against hunger for a decade, donating more than 100 million pounds of protein. In 2015, the company announced its renewed commitment by pledging $50 million in cash or in-kind donations by 2020 to fight hunger, with a special focus on innovative initiatives.

About Tyson Foods, Inc.

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.

About Lift Up America

Lift Up America, founded in 2004, is a 501c3 non-profit organization that collaborates with corporations, professional and college sports teams and local nonprofit agencies to help our nations less fortunate. For more information about Lift Up America, please visit www.LiftUpAmerica.org. In 2014, Lift Up America is focused on expanding its Ambassador of Compassion program across the U.S., including an active chapter in Cleveland. An interactive leadership program for youth, Ambassadors of Compassion helps transform junior-high and high-school aged youth into resilient, confident individuals motivated to embrace a strong work ethic and continue giving service in their communities. For more information and how to donate, please visit www.aoclife.org.

About KTVB-NBC

The KTVB News Group includes KTVB-Boise, Idaho’s Very Own 24/7, KTFT-Twin Falls, KTVB.COM and KTVB Mobile.  KTVB produces more local news per week than any television station in Idaho, with a website and mobile apps that attract more visitors and page view traffic than any electronic media company in Idaho. KTVB has been the #1 television station in Idaho for several decades, beginning as the first full-service television station in Idaho in 1953.;

Contacts

Derek Burleson, Tyson Foods, 479-290-6466, Derek.Burleson@Tyson.com

David Hannah, Lift Up America, 949-813-6833, drhliftupamerica@gmail.com

Doug Armstrong, KTVB News Group, 208-375-7277, darmstrong@ktvb.com