Pilgrim’s to Invest $795,000 in Gainesville to Support Local Community as Part of New Hometown Strong Initiative

Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $795,000 in Gainesville, Ga., 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. All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@pilgrims.com.

“Supporting our community is part of who we are and something that is very important to us,” said Stephen Shepard, Gainesville Complex Manager. “At a time when many people, businesses and cities are struggling, we want to identify ways to make lasting and significant impacts in our hometown.”

“The City of Gainesville is very fortunate to have Pilgrim's as a corporate citizen providing jobs and economic opportunities for our City,” said Gainesville Mayor Danny Dunagan. “We are so thankful for the investments that Pilgrim's will be making in our community through the Hometown Strong initiative.”

The Pilgrim’s Gainesville production facility employs more than 1,600 people with an annual payroll of more than $42 million. The facility supports 218 growers, paying them more than $28 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Gainesville has invested more than $43 million in capital improvements over the last six 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.