SPONSOR

Friday, 17 September, 2010 6:02 PM

Lift Up America, The Detroit Lions and Tyson Foods Join in Partnership to Donate 17 tons of Food to Hungry in Michigan

DETROIT -- In Michigan, more than 195,000 people receive emergency food assistance in any given week. To help feed those in need, Gleaners Community Food Bank distributes more than 36 million pounds of emergency food a year. Today, in honor of that commitment, Tyson Foods and Lift Up America joined with The Detroit Lions to donate more than 35,000 pounds of protein to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. Detroit Lions players and Roary the mascot were on hand to help unload the food this morning at Ford Field.

"In this critical time of need for so many hungry families, it is encouraging to see these caring corporations come together to lift the human spirit of others,” said Eric Hannah, president Lift Up America.

September is Hunger Action Month and Feeding America is asking all Americans to take action to fight domestic hunger. Throughout Hunger Action Month, Feeding America’s nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, including Gleaners Community Food Bank, are calling upon communities to take action through the “30 Ways in 30 Days” campaign. Whether it’s by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or giving your time and energy, they urge everyone to find a way to make a difference.

“We are thrilled to partner with Lift Up America, Tyson Foods and Gleaners Community Food Bank on this terrific event,” said Tim Pendell, senior director of community affairs for The Detroit Lions. “At a time when so many families in our community are in need, The Detroit Lions are honored to partner with these outstanding organizations to help those in need in Metro Detroit.”

Gleaners Community Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, distributes more than 36 million pounds of emergency food to over 467 partner soup kitchens, shelters and pantries in five Michigan counties. As one of the oldest food banks in the U.S., Gleaners Community Food Bank's mission is to turn surplus food, which otherwise would go to waste, into millions of nutritious meals for hungry people in southeastern Michigan. Since 1977, Gleaners has grown from distributing one or two million pounds of food a year to more than 36 million pounds annually.

“We are so grateful for Tyson’s much-needed donation to our food bank,” said W. DeWayne Wells, president/CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeast Michigan. “This year alone we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking food assistance and this gift will make a great impact on our capabilities to give hunger relief to southeast Michigan.”

“We’re honored to join forces with Lift Up America to bring a greater awareness to the issue of hunger in America,” said Ed Nicholson, director of community relations for Tyson Foods. “Tyson is dedicated to helping families in the Detroit area who are struggling in these tough economic times. We also want to encourage other companies and individuals to identify ways they can share resources and make an impact in the fight against hunger.”

Since 2000, Tyson Foods has been a leader in the fight against hunger. The company is actively engaged in food-donation events and fundraising activities year-round to benefit those in need. The protein given by Tyson today brings the company’s total in-kind donations since 2000 to more than 76 million pounds. This milestone equates to more than 296 million meals donated to food banks and agencies serving local communities around the country. Last year alone, Tyson donated nearly eight million pounds of protein to Feeding America. For more information on how to get involved in the fight against hunger, go to http://hungerrelief.tyson.com/.

Lift Up America, founded in 2004, is a collaborative effort of companies including Tyson, Ty and Give the Gift of Sight (a Luxottica Group Foundation), working with professional and college sports teams and local nonprofit agencies to provide the gifts of food, sight, hearing, hope and comfort to our nation’s less fortunate. In 2006 Lift Up America added such major corporations as Starkey Hearing Foundation, Interstate Batteries and Cinemark Theaters to implement the “Giving Hope Tour,” adding the gift of entertainment to those we serve. Lift Up America, through our sponsors, provided more than $25 million in hearing aids, helped approximately 26,000 people in need of prescription eyeglasses, delivered 10 million meals and over 40 million dollars in scholarships to the less fortunate across America. For more information about Lift Up America, please visit www.LiftUpAmerica.org.

About Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan
For more than 32 years, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan (Gleaners) has been nourishing the community by feeding hungry people. Gleaners distributes more than 36 million pounds of emergency food to over 467 partner soup kitchens, shelters and pantries in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties. Of every dollar donated, Gleaners uses 96 cents for food and food programs. One dollar provides three meals for a hungry neighbor. Learn more at www.gcfb.org.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN - News), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 117,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

Source: Mitchell Communications Group, Inc.