Tyson gives food to Emporia
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Originally published 02:06 p.m., February 28, 2008
Updated 02:06 p.m., February 28, 2008
Tyson Foods announced this morning that it has donated 38,000 pounds of food in Emporia to the Salvation Army and other local social service agencies. Tyson said it will also provide cold storage for the food at the company’s Emporia plant until it is needed.
A company news release quoted Mike Fiehler, plant manager for Emporia.
“In late March and early April, paychecks for displaced Tyson Team Members will stop,” Fiehler said. “After that time, if there are those who have not taken other Tyson jobs, it‘s possible the Salvation Army and other agencies could experience increased demand for their emergency food stocks. Should this happen, our donation will help soften the impact. If the demand is not there, the food will be available for other hunger and disaster-relief efforts.”
Salvation Army Capt. Jeremiah Burris responded to the donation.
“I have seen first hand, on a day to day basis, some of the struggles that Emporians face when difficulties or unexpected circumstances arise,” he said. “One of the most common needs that we respond to is the need for food. Although The Salvation Army is an avenue to help those in need, it takes a community’s support to be a success.
“I am very thankful to Tyson Foods of Emporia for their monthly contributions throughout the year of chicken and meat and also storing the food for us due to lack of cold storage. Once again as the need has become greater with the recent lay-offs we are very thankful to Tyson Foods for their donation and storage of food that will allow The Salvation Army to provide food for workers that have been laid off. The distribution times and location will be announced at a later date.” The news release said hunger relief is Tyson’s primary philanthropic focus. Since 2000, the company has donated more than 50 million pounds of food to hunger and disaster relief across the United States. These donations included a previous shipment of food to Emporia. Since local agencies have limited cooler space, the company stored much of the meat for them in at the Emporia plant.
create (anonymous) says...
Wow, this is a good thing. Thank you, Tyson.
February 28, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ozland (anonymous) says...
Create-what's wrong with you? Are you a cheerleader for Tyson? Check their record-they abused us-kicked us in the ass and now we have you- thanking them for a bone. Go for a walk and clear your head.
February 29, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mrsflee (anonymous) says...
GIVE credit where credit is due.....Tyson is not required to give a thing away.......BUT they continue to in a community of people that do nothing but bash and complain.....
February 29, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ozland (anonymous) says...
oh, please-those of us who worked at that plant know what we are talking about.
February 29, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )