Pilgrim’s to Invest $575,000 in Cold Spring to Support Local Community as Part of Hometown Strong Initiative

Through its Hometown Strong initiative, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to donate $575,000 to help Cold Spring respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and invest in the community’s future.

Pilgrim’s is working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs in three key areas: food insecurity, community infrastructure and well-being, and COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts. All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@pilgrims.com.

“As a large employer in Cold Spring, we take our responsibility of being a good neighbor very seriously,” said Wesley Smith, Pilgrim’s Cold Spring Complex Manager. “During the past few months, we have been completely focused on protecting our team members and keeping the COVID-19 virus out of our facility. In partnership with members of the community, we look forward to investing in the future of our hometown during such a critical time.”

“The city of Cold Spring has always valued the contributions that Pilgrim’s (and its predecessor businesses) have made to the city of Cold Spring,” said Mayor Dave Heinen. “Their generous donation is further proof that they take pride in being a Cold Spring business. The city is very appreciative of their generosity, especially in this unique and challenging environment.”

The Pilgrim’s Cold Spring chicken production facility employs nearly 1,200 people with an annual payroll of more than $48 million. The facility supports 238 growers, paying them more than $19 million per year for their birds. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Cold Spring has invested more than $12 million in capital improvements over the last three years.

Hometown Strong is a national $20 million initiative that adds to commitments Pilgrim’s has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic.