Pilgrim’s to Invest $740,000 in Graves County to Support Local Community as Part of Hometown Strong Initiative

Press Release Oct 28, 2020
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Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $740,000 in Graves County, Ky., 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 take great pride in partnering with our local community to make a difference,” said Kent Massey, Pilgrim’s Mayfield Complex Manager. “During a challenging year, the Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative is allowing us to make a significant investment in this area, which we hope will have a lasting impact.”

“Pilgrim’s is a long-time contributor to our community in so many areas, and their Hometown Strong initiative is yet another example of their commitment to the betterment of all people in Mayfield and Graves County,” said Mayfield Mayor Kathy S. O’Nan. “We are indeed fortunate that Pilgrim’s calls Mayfield its home, and we are grateful for this investment in our area.”

The Pilgrim’s Mayfield production facility employs more than 1,500 people with an annual payroll of more than $48 million. The facility supports 235 growers, paying them more than $35 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Mayfield has invested more than $55 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.