JBS USA Provides $244K in Funding to Cache Valley Food Pantry as Part of Hometown Strong Initiative

JBS USA today announced a donation of $244,000 to the Cache Valley Food Pantry through the company’s Hometown Strong program to help alleviate food insecurity in Cache Valley.

Specifically, these funds will aid in the construction of an additional warehouse to expand storage capacity and remodel the current facility to accommodate increasing clientele. Additionally, the gift will provide monthly funds and food donations, enabling the organization to purchase food items that are not typically donated through other means.

“JBS USA is dedicated to feeding people around the world, and through the Hometown Strong initiative, these efforts can benefit our own backyard,” said Darren Olsen, JBS Hyrum plant manager. “This investment in the Cache Valley Food Pantry means we can focus on fighting food insecurity at home, and we are proud of this important partnership.”

“JBS has been a dedicated supporter of the Cache Community Food Pantry for many years. Because of their generosity, we have always been able to send fresh hamburger home with the families who appeal to us for help,” said Matthew Whitaker, administrator of the Cache Community Food Pantry. “We are extremely grateful and excited for this financial gift as it will allow us to improve our services and reinforce our food supplies for the many families and agencies that we serve in our community. Thank you, JBS!”

In September 2020, JBS USA announced a $1.7 million investment in Hyrum, Utah. Since then, JBS USA has worked closely with local leaders to determine where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs.

In addition to the Cache Valley Food Pantry investment, the company has funded five additional Hometown Strong projects to date:

• The City of Hyrum received $425,000 to fund the completion of a community bike and skate park at Blacksmith Fork Park.
• The Cache Education Foundation received $345,000 to help the school district continue its after school programs, hire two teachers and two para-professionals, as well as provide snacks and supplies for the students and staff.
• The English Language Center received $220,000 to fund operating costs and purchase 100 Chromebooks for remote English language learning.
• The Cache Refugee and Immigration Connection received $174,000 for their Walk-In-Hours program, which provides case management services to refugees and other displaced persons. Funds will go toward hiring two additional case workers and two years of office rent.
• The City of Hyrum also received $42,000 to install bleachers at the Hyrum Rodeo Grounds, which is used for high school, community and professional rodeos.

The JBS USA Hyrum beef production facility employs nearly 1,500 people with an annual payroll of more than $60 million. The facility supports more than 100 producers, paying them nearly $900 million per year for their livestock.

Hometown Strong is a national $70 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS USA has made to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic. Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind in the country.