Tyson Foods And Chicago Urban League Announce Chicago As Next City For KNOW Hunger Initiative
Chicago chosen as next KNOW Hunger city as response to hunger concerns; Kicked off with a 33,000 pound protein donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository
CHICAGO, Aug. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- KNOW Hunger, launched in 2012 by Tyson Foods and the National Urban League as a way to address and spread awareness of food insecurity, announces today the launch of its next phase of the partnership with KNOW Hunger Chicago, a partnership with Tyson Foods, Chicago Urban League and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The program, made possible by a $150,000 grant from Tyson Foods to National Urban League, launched today at the Greater Chicago Food Depository with a donation of 33,000 pounds of protein.
Tyson Foods is proud to partner with two of Chicago's preeminent non-profits – the Chicago Urban League and Greater Chicago Food Depository – for this one-year campaign that aims to raise awareness about hunger and nutrition through large scale protein donations, thought leadership exercises, community engagement events and hunger education opportunities.
The KNOW Hunger initiative is entering its fourth year of partnership with National Urban League, having started in Mississippi, spent two years in Nashville, Tennessee before making its way to Chicago. Throughout KNOW Hunger's tenure, the program has impacted thousands of members of the community, key influencers and elected officials that together have worked to educate the community on the perils of hunger.
"We chose Chicago because of the high concentration of food insecurity in the area – 1 in 6 of our neighbors -- around 812,000 - turn to the Greater Chicago Food Depository's network for assistance," said Deb Sinta, Vice President of Talent and Culture, Tyson Foods. "Chicago was also very fitting as the next KNOW Hunger city because of the large company presence we have in the Chicagoland area. We want to give back to the community any way we can."
This back-to-school timeframe also makes us aware of the struggles that hungry children face – the number of children living in food insecure households in Illinois has grown to 20.8 percent of all children. As part of an effort to reach and support children and families, the Chicago Urban League is holding a Back-to-School Festival this Saturday, August 20th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to make sure kids start off the school year right.
"This work goes hand in hand with our mission to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities and social justice for our community," said Shari Runner, President and CEO, Chicago Urban League. "We hear all too often from our partners in the community that hunger is a barrier to success and we're proud to be a part of an initiative that is focused on tackling this issue."
The Food Depository is responding to a consistent high need throughout the community What's more, protein is one of the most requested item from its partner agencies.
"As we respond to a persistent need for food assistance across Cook County, we strive to provide nutritious options for the people we serve," said Jill Zimmerman, Vice President of Development at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "Protein is always needed at our partner agencies and we are grateful to Tyson Foods for this donation and their longtime support of the Food Depository. We believe that no one should go hungry and we are thrilled to join Tyson Foods and the Urban League for the KNOW Hunger Chicago campaign."
The Chicago Urban League will spearhead local on the ground efforts. Some of the nearly 1,000 people Tyson Foods employs in the Chicago area will also be involved in volunteer efforts along with assistance from local Urban League affiliate Guild auxiliaries, Young Professional auxiliary members and Project Ready Students.
Tyson Foods has been active in hunger relief for many years, donating more than 100 million pounds of protein to food banks and other relief agencies since 2000.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It's a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 113,000 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 Foods 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.
About the National Urban League
The National Urban League (www.nul.org) is a historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization dedicated to economic empowerment in historically underserved urban communities. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League has improved the lives of more than two million people nationwide through direct service programs that are implemented locally by its 95 Urban League affiliates in 300 communities across 36 states and the District of Columbia. The organization also conducts public policy research and advocacy activities from its Washington, DC bureau. The National Urban League, a BBB-accredited organization, has an A-rating from Charity Watch and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, placing it in the top 10 percent of all U.S. charities for adhering to good governance, fiscal responsibility and other best practices.
About the Chicago Urban League
Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About the Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. The Food Depository, founded in 1979, makes a daily impact across Cook County with a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile programs, children's programs, older adult programs and innovative responses that address the root causes of hunger. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 70 million pounds of shelf-stable food, fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 160,000 meals every day. For more information, visit chicagosfoodbank.org or call 773-247-FOOD
SOURCE Tyson Foods; National Urban League
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