Pilgrim’s to Invest $580,000 in Russellville to Support Local Community as Part of Hometown Strong Initiative
Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $580,000 in Russellville, Ala., to support the community’s future and help respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Pilgrim’s has been 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.
One approved project includes a $309,000 investment to build the state’s largest splash pad in partnership with the City of Russellville. All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@pilgrims.com.
“The well-being of Russellville is essential to our success at Pilgrim’s, and we want to be a good neighbor,” said Kevin Touchstone, Pilgrim’s Russellville Complex Manager. “Through the Hometown Strong program, we are honored to help build a stronger community for us all.”
“I would like to thank Pilgrim’s Russellville for their huge economic impact in the City of Russellville and Franklin County, Alabama,” said Russellville Mayor David R. Grissom. “I recently attended a tour of the Pilgrim’s Russellville facility that included a great presentation showing Pilgrim’s contribution to our local Russellville/Franklin County, Alabama economy and about coronavirus safety protocols for employees during these unprecedented times. Special thanks to Pilgrim’s for being our largest employer in Franklin County, Alabama, and to all Pilgrim’s team members for providing food for our people during these unprecedented times!”
The Pilgrim’s Russellville production facility employs nearly 1,200 people with an annual payroll of nearly $40 million. The facility supports 173 growers, paying them more than $37 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Russellville has invested more than $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.