Pilgrim’s to Invest $685,000 in Lufkin to Support Local Community as Part of Hometown Strong Initiative
Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $685,000 in Lufkin, Texas, to support the community’s future. Pilgrim’s has been 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.
Two projects have already been selected to receive funding. Pilgrim’s is partnering with the Salvation Army of Lufkin, and a $500,000 contribution will be used to upgrade and renovate the community gymnasium. Additionally, Pilgrim’s is investing $30,000 to provide the Kurth Primary School with picnic tables for use outdoors to improve social distancing capabilities while children are at school.
All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@pilgrims.com.
“We are grateful to partner with our community and support initiatives that will provide benefits for our team members and our neighbors,” said Christian Dempsey, Pilgrim’s Lufkin complex manager. “The well-being of Lufkin is very important to us and essential to the success of our business.”
“The City of Lufkin is blessed to have Pilgrim’s in our City,” said Lufkin Mayor Bob Brown. “We are pleased that they want to invest and contribute to worthwhile agencies that help citizens that are in need of assistance during these troubled times. Thank you Pilgrim’s for reaching out and being a giving corporate citizen in our community!”
The Pilgrim’s Lufkin production facility employs more than 1,400 people with an annual payroll of nearly $56 million. The facility supports 322 growers, paying them more than $67 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Lufkin has invested nearly $48 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. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.