Originally started in Northwest Arkansas in 2016, our Miles that Matter program has grown dramatically in the last year, more than doubling in size and expanding to 43 communities nationwide. Caring for our communities is a big part of who we are, and Miles that Matter creates a path for team members to have a direct impact on our charitable giving efforts.

For every mile a team member or immediate family m​ember bikes, walks, or runs, Tyson Foods donates a pound of protein to a hunger relief agency in that Tyson community. Miles that Matter also promotes the importance of team member health and wellness. 

But in 2020, it took on multiple new meanings: people across the country used exercise as a stress-reliver during a global pandemic, and every mile logged meant more protein for those in need. These donations, during unprecedented circumstances, went farther than ever.

Totaling more than 349,777 miles, these chapters logged virtual miles for most of the year, meaning miles ran, cycled or walked on their own, versus the traditional event-centric nature of the program. Organized races across the country were cancelled, but that didn’t stop our team members.

“This year, we provided more than $65 million in product donation value toward the fight against hunger,” said Debra Vernon, senior director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “This was more than any year in our 85-year history partially because of our Miles that Matter team members’ willingness to make a difference in their community through exercise.”

As the largest food producer in the country, Tyson Foods believes we have a responsibility to provide access to quality protein nationwide. Miles that Matter is just one of the many programs that helps us achieve that goal.