Pilgrim’s to Invest $260,000 in Waco to Support Local Community as Part of New Hometown Strong Initiative
Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $260,000 in Waco, Texas, to support the community’s future and help respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Pilgrim’s worked with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs.
The company is partnering with the China Spring Youth Athletic Association to install three synthetic turf practice and competition fields at the baseball/softball complex, in addition to expanding and improving the concession stands and bathroom facilities. This $250,000 contribution will upgrade current facility offerings, while creating the ability to host more community and sporting events. The remaining $10,000 will be allocated by the end of the year.
“We are humbled to have the opportunity to support youth and families in our hometown,” said Kyle Martin, Pilgrim’s Waco Operations Manager. “Through the Hometown Strong initiative and in collaboration with CSYAA, we believe this investment will help build a stronger future and make a difference for our community.”
“Since 1980, the China Spring Youth Athletic Association has been helping the youth of the Greater Waco Area have an outlet to play sports,” said Tommy Sutton, president, CSYAA. “Never in the history of our organization has any business shown such generosity. There is no way to quantify the tremendous impact this donation will have on our community. Pilgrim’s will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the people of China Spring and the Greater Waco Area.”
The Pilgrim’s Waco prepared foods facility employs more than 500 people with an annual payroll of more than $22 million. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Waco has invested nearly $35 million in capital improvements over the last five years.
Pilgrim’s anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 30 meat poultry and prepared foods facilities 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.