JBS USA to Invest $2.5 Million in Beardstown to Support Local Community as Part of New Hometown Strong Initiative
Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, JBS USA today announced plans to invest $2.5 million to help Beardstown, Ill., respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and invest in the community’s future.
JBS USA 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@jbssa.com.
“We are very proud of our role in providing food for American families, but we’re also excited to have the opportunity to make this significant investment in our hometown,” said JT Hopkins, JBS USA Beardstown Plant General Manager. “The past few months our focus has been on protecting our team members and keeping our community safe, and we want to support projects that will have positive impacts as we all move forward.”
“As Mayor of the city of Beardstown, I am so excited about the investment JBS has extended to our community's future during this pandemic,” said Beardstown Mayor Leslie Harris. “The City Council and myself look forward to working together with JBS.”
The JBS USA Beardstown pork production facility employs more than 1,900 people with an annual payroll of nearly $100 million. The facility supports more than 265 producers, paying them more than $810 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, JBS USA Beardstown has invested more than $45 million in capital improvements over the last five years.
JBS USA anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 60 meat, poultry and prepared foods plants and employing 62,000-plus people. Funds will be directed to every community JBS USA calls home.
Hometown Strong is a national $50 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic. Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind in the country. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.