SAN ANTONIO, March 13, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- More than one million Texans experience hunger on a regular basis, and every week approximately 25,000 people receive emergency food assistance through the San Antonio Food Bank's network of partner agencies. As the numbers show, hunger is still prevalent and a persistent problem in the region, which is why food bank officials are applauding good news from Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
The partnership announced Wednesday a donation of more than 15 U.S. tons of much needed protein to the San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB). The donation was made in advance of LULAC's National Women's conference beginning this Friday in San Antonio. The announcement ceremony was attended by San Antonio city officials, LULAC leadership, food bank representatives and Tyson Team Members.
"The big-hearted effort and partnership between LULAC and Tyson Foods is outstanding, as the need for protein is always high," said Eric S. Cooper, executive director of the SAFB, "especially now that food prices are on the rise and donations are trending downward. The donation today will serve as the centerpiece of more than 120,000 meals served throughout our network." Of all clients served by the network, 69 percent come from the Latino community.
Rosa Rosales, LULAC national president and a native of San Antonio, attended the event. LULAC is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. The group advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.
"Today marks a significant milestone in our devotion to the Latino/Latina community," said Rosales. "Without the collaboration of corporations like Tyson, gestures of goodwill like this donation would not have been possible. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Tyson and making other donations nationwide."
The protein given by Tyson brings the company's total in-kind donations since 2000 to well above 50 million pounds. Eight years ago, Tyson Foods began its fight to end hunger. The 50 million pound milestone equates to more than 200 million meals donated to food banks and agencies serving local communities around the country.
"Through our partnership with LULAC, Tyson Foods has pledged one million pounds of protein during the next three years to hunger relief in Latino communities throughout the U.S.," said Javier Ortiz, Multicultural Communications & Community Relations Manager for Tyson Foods. "This is a steadfast commitment by our Tyson team, and we're proud to be making a difference," added Ortiz.
For more information on how to get involved in the fight against hunger, go to www.tyson.com or hungerrelief.tyson.com.
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