Pilgrim’s Announces Recipients of Hometown Strong Funding in Russellville

Pilgrim’s is providing an update on how its Hometown Strong funds are being invested in Russellville, Ala., to support the community’s future.

Pilgrim’s previously announced a $580,000 investment in the community and has since worked closely with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs.

Pilgrim’s Russellville has allocated the Hometown Strong funding to the below projects:

• Russellville City Schools received $71,000 to build two pavilions that will serve as outdoor classroom space, as well as provide a place for students to eat outside.
• A gift of $50,000 will fully fund the installation of a shaded playground structure on an undeveloped lot in Sheffield, Alabama.
• The Town of Falkville received $42,600 to update the current playground, including replacing wood chips with rubberized “Pour and Play” surface. This project was completed in 2021.
• A gift of $22,000 will be used to purchase high jump and pole vault equipment for the Russellville High School Track and Field team, allowing regional track meets to be held at the high school. 

“Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong projects are already making a positive impact here in the community,” said Jamie Young, Pilgrim’s Russellville Complex Manager. “Our hope is that this investment will serve the people of Russellville and surrounding communities for many years to come.”

“We appreciate the generosity and support of Pilgrim’s to upgrade the track facilities at Russellville High School,” said Heath Grimes, Superintendent of Russellville City Schools. “With the addition of the pole vault pit, as well as upgrades to the shot and discus areas, our goal of bidding and hosting the Sectional Track Meet are closer than ever. Hosting the two-day meet will not only provide exposure to the great facilities of Russellville City Schools, but it will also provide a significant economic impact.”

In addition to the above projects, a previously approved investment of $309,000 to build Franklin County’s largest splash pad has been increased to a total of $384,000. This increase fully allocates the remaining Hometown Strong funds.

“Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong funding has enabled our city to build a splash pad for children and families to enjoy. It’s been a dream of ours since 2008, and with Pilgrim’s funding our dream has come to fruition,” said Russellville Mayor David Grissom. “We appreciate Pilgrim’s for their interest in our city and the betterment of our people.”

The Pilgrim’s Enterprise facility employs more than 650 people with an annual payroll of more than $21 million. The facility supports 110 growers, paying them more than $18 million per year for their chickens.

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 $100 million nationwide contribution from JBS USA. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.