For so many families, holiday traditions and memories are tied to food. But for others, having food on the table isn’t a guarantee – especially during a year that has been difficult for so many. 

Tyson Foods has long worked with national and community organizations this time of year to provide much needed nutrition for those who need it most. This holiday season, we’re working with partners old and new to help make this possible. 

One of our newer partnerships is with HeartSmiles in Baltimore, where we were able to help feed more than 1,700 families at a recent donation event.

Founder Joni Holifield said, “We ended up having a line that was about 10 blocks long with hundreds of people pouring in from all over the city and beyond. We gave to individual families who were so grateful and so happy to receive the blessing. A lot of families in need were helped thanks to Tyson Foods.”

Another first-time distribution took place in November with Tyson Foods team members, local volunteers, and the police and fire department to provide 35,000 pounds of protein to the community of Hopewell, Virginia.

Officer Michael J. Redavid with the Hopewell Police Department said Randolph Market, Hopewell Food Pantry, Feed-More, Destination Church and a local Food Lion were also involved. 

“It means that families in our community who would not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal can now have a meal for their family to enjoy and gather around,” he said. “Many of our citizens were out of work for an extended period of time and struggled to make ends meet. This caused a drought in our food banks and other non-profit facilities. By using our resources and partnering with big corporations, we are able to assist our citizens in ways that during other times might not of happened.” 

In Little Rock, Arkansas, Tyson Foods was once again able to provide over 38,000 pounds of protein to the Watershed Human and Community Development Agency’s food pantry, as well as the use of a refrigerated trailer. It’s the 27^th year of our partnership with Watershed, and the donation happens twice a year.

“We’re proud to continue our longstanding tradition of donating food to The Watershed during the holidays,” said Lance Martin, the North Little Rock complex manager for Tyson Foods. “This important partnership helps to fight hunger in Arkansas.”

Just this week, we were able to hold a donation event with the Military Family Activity Network, H-E-B, the Food Care Center, and The Moody Foundation, to provide protein for more than 500 military families stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. 

“Like so many Americans, thousands of military families will gather this holiday season to reflect on a challenging year and celebrate their blessings,” said Debra Vernon, senior director, corporate social responsibility for Tyson Foods. “We hope this donation will make those gatherings even more special and provide one less worry.”

Another holiday donation event that took place was on December 2 in partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs and Harvesters Food Bank of Kansas City. Though the nature of the distribution was different this year due to COVID-19, Tyson Foods was able to help supply local agencies with nutrition for the community. 

In a year of unprecedented need, it’s up to all of us to help look out for the vulnerable in our community. Tyson Foods is proud to stand alongside so many partners who share in this mission.