Plumrose to Invest $10,000 in Franklin County as Part of the Hometown Strong Initiative

Through its Hometown Strong initiative, Plumrose USA today announced plans to donate $10,000 to support Franklin County, Vt. Plumrose USA worked with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs.

The $10,000 is being donated to the Healthy Roots Collaborative to assist in providing healthy, wholesome food to food pantries and food banks throughout Northwest Vermont. HRC is a regional food systems program supporting the growers, producers and consumers in the counties of Franklin and Grand Isle.

“We are humbled to partner with the Healthy Roots Collaborative to provide meaningful support to our community,” said Michael Tavernia, Plumrose Swanton Plant Manager. “Two of the key pillars of our Hometown Strong initiative are to alleviate food insecurity and to support COVID-19 relief efforts, and we hope this contribution makes a difference for our neighbors who need it most.”

“The Healthy Roots Collaborative is incredibly grateful for the support of Plumrose USA,” said Koi Boynton, Healthy Roots coordinator. “This award will go far in our efforts to support local food access, education and the strengthening of diversified agriculture in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Plumrose and can’t thank them enough for seeing the impact of Healthy Roots.”

“I would like to thank Plumrose for their commitment to the Franklin County Community and not just for this incredible, generous Healthy Roots contribution but for all of their support for fundraisers they have done over the years for individuals and families in need, as well as Habitat for Humanity,” said Saint Albans Mayor Tim Smith.

The Plumrose USA Swanton facility employs 27 people with an annual payroll of more than $1 million. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Plumrose USA Swanton has invested more than $1 million in capital improvements over the last three years.

Hometown Strong is a national $50 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS USA, of which Plumrose USA is a subsidiary, 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.