Houston Food Bank Receives 37,000-pound Donation from LULAC and Tyson Foods
“Nutritious protein is one of the most-needed items by food banks and other hunger relief agencies, so this generous donation is of special significance,” says Brian Greene, president/CEO of Houston Food Bank. “It will be the foundation of many nutritious meals for thousands of families, kids and senior citizens whom we serve.
The Houston Food Bank is one of the largest food banks in the Feeding America national network of food banks. Last year alone, the food bank distributed more than 58 million nutritious meals to families in need throughout its 18-county service area.
“We welcome the partnership with Tyson foods in our commitment to eradicate hunger in the Latino community,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. “Through LULAC programs, services and advocacy, we tackle important issues such as hunger and malnutrition by making information and resources available to the community. Our partnership with Tyson to fight against hunger and provide access to nutritional food to our communities is especially significant for families facing economic challenges.”
LULAC, the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in America, aims to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs.
“It makes sense for our company to make a difference in peoples’ lives and donate nutrient-rich protein to feed those in need,” said Nora Venegas, director of federal government relations for Tyson. “We also believe in raising hunger awareness because one of the keys to ending hunger in the U.S. is mobilizing more people to join the fight. We encourage people across the nation, including our own team members here in Houston, to engage with this important social issue and get involved.”
Meat and poultry are high quality sources of complete protein, and according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released by USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, protein is considered the most important macronutrient in the human diet. It provides essential amino acids, is a source of energy and is critical during growth and development. Meat and poultry are excellent sources of heme iron, which is especially important for women, children and adolescent girls, who are often deficient in iron. For more information on the nutritional value of meat and poultry, go to http://www.meatpoultrynutrition.org/ht/d/sp/i/26062/pid/26062.
Tyson Foods has fought hunger in the U.S. for more than a decade, donating more than 84 million pounds of protein, or the equivalent of 336 million meals. The company partners with Share Our Strength, Lift Up America, Feeding America, the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation. For more information on how to get involved in the fight against hunger, go to http://www.tysonhungerrelief.com
Now operating from a new, 308,000 square-foot facility, the Houston Food Bank is the nation’s largest size Feeding America food bank and source of food for hunger relief charities in 18 southeast Texas counties. A network of nearly 500 food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers and other agencies, feeding a total of 137,000 people each week, provides more than 53 million nutritious meals annually. Fresh produce, meat and nonperishables are distributed from the new warehouse at 535 Portwall, and hot meals are prepared and distributed from Keegan Center, a 15,000 square-foot industrial kitchen. Additional community services range from nutrition education to assistance with food stamp applications and hands-on job training. Red Barrels offer a convenient way for grocery shoppers to donate nonperishables for their neighbors in need.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world’s largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 130 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.