Pilgrim’s to Invest $350,000 in Broadway and Timberville to Support Local Communities as Part of New Hometown Strong Initiative

Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $350,000 in Broadway and Timberville, Va., to support the future of the communities. Pilgrim’s has been working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs.

“The Hometown Strong initiative is providing us the opportunity to invest in our community and make a significant impact,” said Graham Nesselrodt, Pilgrim’s Broadway Complex Manager. “In addition to our role of providing food for our country, we’re also very focused on being a good neighbor.”

Projects being funded as part of the initiative include an investment in parks in Broadway and Timberville. In Broadway, new playground equipment will be installed in Heritage Park. At Plains District Memorial Park in Timberville, Pilgrim’s will support construction and completion of a basketball court, pickleball court and a new complex building.

Pilgrim’s is also partnering with Plains District Elementary School to build an outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom will provide opportunities for students to learn about gardens and growing plants. During COVID-19, there is also an ability for students to be more socially distanced. Additionally, Pilgrim’s will support infrastructure improvements to the Broadway water tower.

Lastly, Pilgrim’s Broadway is supporting local education through $5,000 grants to each of the following schools: Broadway High School, Fulks Run Elementary School, J. Frank Hillyard Middle School, John C. Myers Elementary School and Lacey Springs Elementary School, along with $10,000 to the Timberville Fire Department to support response efforts.

“The town greatly appreciates Pilgrim’s generosity in providing playground equipment to Heritage Park, and in assisting with infrastructure needs at one of our elevated water tanks,” said Broadway Town Manager Kyle O’Brien. “Both of these projects will have a lasting impact on the community and its citizens. We have enjoyed a very strong relationship with Pilgrim’s from a business standpoint, as well as a community partner and look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial partnership. Their visibility, involvement and contributions to the community have been invaluable.”

“The Town of Timberville recognizes the importance of a robust park system – one that has something for everyone,” said Timberville Mayor Don Delaughter. “Pilgrim’s recognized a community need and stepped up to help. First, through a $10,000 donation that was used to build the town’s first dog park along with expanding the play area for children. Pilgrim’s has now graciously decided to fund a new complex at the former pool area. Through the generosity and strong community drive of Pilgrim’s, Timberville will be able to accomplish park improvements, in some cases, years in advance.”

The Pilgrim’s Broadway production facility employs 720 people with an annual payroll of more than $29 million. The facility supports 243 growers, paying them more than $28 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Broadway has invested more than $35 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 plants 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. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.