MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas — Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s on Wednesday announced plans to invest $1.5 million in Mount Pleasant, Texas, to support the community’s future and help respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Pilgrim’s is working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs in three key areas: food insecurity, community infrastructure and well-being, and COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts, according to a Pilgrim’s press release. All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@pilgrims.com.
“The Hometown Strong initiative will allow us to make a tangible impact in our community, which is extremely important to us as a large employer in the area,” said Rapheal Boyd, Pilgrim’s Mount Pleasant Complex Manager. “We believe in collaborating with local leaders and coming together to make a difference.”
“Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative exemplifies what community engagement truly means by showing care and understanding of what this city needs while trying to offset the lasting effects of the global pandemic,” said Mt. Pleasant Mayor Tracy Craig. “I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Pilgrim’s to improve the city of Mount Pleasant.”
The Pilgrim’s Mt. Pleasant prepared foods complex employs 3,200 people with an annual payroll of more than $46 million. The facility supports 290 growers, paying them more than $47 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Mt. Pleasant has invested nearly $31 million in capital improvements over the last five years.
Pilgrim’s anchors dozens of rural communities — operating more than 30 meat poultry and prepared foods facilities and employing 31,000-plus people in the United States. Nationally, the Hometown Strong initiative is a $20 million investment from Pilgrim’s, which is part of a $50 million nationwide contribution from JBS USA.
Source: Texarkana Gazette
