Pilgrim’s to Invest $765,000 in Live Oak 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 $765,000 in Live Oak, Fla., 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 very excited to partner with our community to make a positive impact that will benefit our team members and our neighbors,” said Jeff Garner, Pilgrim’s Live Oak Complex Manager. “Though 2020 has been a challenging year, we want to invest in our hometown so that we can all have a brighter future.”

“Live Oak and Suwannee County are fortunate to have Pilgrim’s here,” said Live Oak Mayor Frank C. Davis. “I recently attended a tour of the Pilgrim’s Live Oak facility and was impressed with the organization and the people. During times like these, it is comforting to know we have a plant right here in our community doing so much to keep the food supply chain going. Pilgrim’s is the largest employer in Suwannee County and that alone makes a huge economic impact in our area. In addition, Pilgrim’s benefits the many other businesses associated with the chicken industry, including farming, trucking, service industries and others. When all totaled, Pilgrim’s shines a bright light for our future.”

The Pilgrim’s Live Oak production facility employs more than 1,500 people with an annual payroll of more than $55 million. The facility supports 135 growers, paying them more than $24 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Live Oak has invested nearly $32 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.