Pilgrim’s to Invest $515,000 in Sanford 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 $515,000 in Sanford, N.C., 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. 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 honored to call Sanford our hometown and to be a reliable contributor to our local economy,” said Jamal Mohammed, Pilgrim’s Sanford Complex Manager. “Through our Hometown Strong initiative, we’re grateful to have the opportunity to identify projects that will help strengthen our community.”

“I appreciate the economic impact that Pilgrim’s has on our local economy,” said Sanford Mayor Chet Mann. “Their business feeds America but also contributes to the incomes of local area growers and their families and provides a boost in payroll taxes for our county. The jobs they create help to sustain many local families. For that, we are very grateful.”

The Pilgrim’s Sanford facility employs more than 1,000 people with an annual payroll of more than $34 million. The facility supports 160 growers, paying them more than $21 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Sanford has invested more than $110 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.