Pilgrim’s to Invest $535,000 in Ellijay to Support Local Community as Part of New Hometown Strong Initiative

Press Release Sep 23, 2020
Hslogo Pilgrims Corrected

Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $535,000 in Ellijay, Ga., to support the community’s future and help respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

“We are humbled to partner with our hometown to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Randy Long, Pilgrim’s Ellijay Complex Manager. “Though these past few months have been challenging for everyone, we want to do all we can to help our community move forward and be even stronger in the future.”

“As the largest employer in Gilmer County, Pilgrim’s is a proven supporter of our community,” said Ellijay Mayor Al Hoyle. “This latest endeavor, the Hometown Strong initiative, is just one more example of their efforts to be good corporate citizens.”

The Pilgrim’s Ellijay production facility employs 1,100 people with an annual payroll of more than $33 million. The facility supports 221 growers, paying them more than $32 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Ellijay has invested more than $16 million in capital improvements over the last six years.

Pilgrim’s anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 30 meat poultry and prepared foods plants and employing 31,000-plus people in the United States. Nationally, the Hometown Strong initiative is a $20 million investment from Pilgrim’s, which is part of a $50 million nationwide contribution from JBS USA. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.