JBS USA to Invest $4 Million in Nebraska to Support Local Communities as Part of New Hometown Strong Initiative
Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, JBS USA, an American-based food company, announced plans today to invest $4 million in Nebraska to help local communities respond to coronavirus and invest in the future.
The investment is part of a new, national $50 million initiative called Hometown Strong that adds to commitments JBS USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic.
“The rural towns and communities where we live and work are the key to our success and Grand Island, Nebraska, is home to one of the centerpieces of American agriculture,” said Tim Schellpeper, President of JBS USA Fed Beef, which includes the Grand Island fresh beef facility. “We are proud to work with local producers, local businesses and our community to deliver the highest quality beef to Nebraskans and the world.”
“The coronavirus pandemic has created challenges for society that no one could have predicted,” said Shannon Grassl, President of JBS USA Regional Beef, which includes the Omaha fresh beef facility. “The Hometown Strong initiative is one of the ways we are helping our communities respond to those challenges and build for the future.”
JBS USA will partner with local officials and community leaders in Grand Island and Omaha to identify investment projects that strengthen these hometowns where the company’s team members live and work.
“Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers and food processors have helped keep grocery shelves stocked across America during the pandemic,” said Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. “Thank you to JBS USA for the generous investment in Grand Island and Omaha and ongoing commitment to partner with the Cornhusker State to grow our future together.”
JBS USA has a significant presence in the state of Nebraska, employing 4,300 people and paying local producers nearly $2.5 billion each year to support two Nebraska facilities, including fresh beef production facilities in Grand Island and Omaha. An important contributor to the Nebraska economy, JBS USA has an annual payroll in Nebraska of more than $191 million, and contributed nearly $34 million in taxes and more than $84 million in capital investments over the last five years.
Nationally, the $50 million investment – one of the largest of its kind being made – will include donations to alleviate food insecurity, strengthen long-term community infrastructure and well-being, and support COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts. All funds will be committed by the end of the year.
JBS USA anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 60 meat, poultry and prepared foods plants and employing 62,000-plus people. JBS USA has invested more than $100 million to enhance safeguards for team members and nearly $100 million to reward them with thank-you bonuses and increased wages. This includes hiring more than 1,000 new team members to conduct additional, around-the-clock sanitation and cleaning services, and to provide education, training and enforcement of COVID-19 preventive measures.