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Press Release: Tyson Foods, LULAC Fight Hunger in Columbus. 15 tons of protein donated to Mid-Ohio Foodbank. September 30, 2008 For more information contact: COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2008 – More than 1.4 million Ohio residents are at risk of hunger, and last year approximately 193,800 individuals received food assistance through the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and its 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 an association among Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Feeding America (formerly known as America’s Second Harvest). The association announced today the donation of more than 30,000 pounds of much needed food as part of its 1 million pound, three-year commitment to fight hunger together. Columbus city officials, LULAC leadership and Mid-Ohio Foodbank representatives attended the donation presentation. “September has been a time of celebration as we honor Hispanic Heritage Month. This September has also been a difficult time for many families who have been affected by Hurricane Ike's devastating winds throughout Ohio,” said LULAC-Ohio State Director Jason Riveiro. “LULAC is committed to helping our families in Columbus and through our partnership with Tyson we are honored to be able to address the hunger issues caused by these hardships.” The Mid-Ohio Foodbank of Columbus distributes more than 30 million pounds of food a year to more than 500 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, after-school programs, and senior housing sites across central and eastern Ohio. More than 36,000 Ohio residents a week receive food from the foodbank. 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. “Tyson Foods understands that often, Hispanic families face additional barriers when they are at risk for hunger and seeking assistance. We are committed to providing nutritious meals to families who are looking for help,” Ed Nicholson, director of community relations for Tyson Foods. “This contribution builds upon our three-year commitment to address the issue of hunger in the Hispanic community.” Since 2000, Tyson Foods has been a leader in the fight against hunger. The company is actively engaged in food donation events and fund-raising 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 50 million pounds. This milestone equates to over 202 million meals donated to food banks and agencies serving local communities around the country. Last year alone, Tyson donated nearly 9 million pounds of protein to Feeding America. For more information on how to get involved in the fight against hunger, go to hungerrelief.tyson.com. Mid-Ohio Foodbank – For 30 years the Mid-Ohio Foodbank has been working with grocers, food companies, Ohio farmers, the USDA and community partners to obtain food and distribute it to more than 500 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, after-school programs, and senior housing sites across central and eastern Ohio. As a member of the nation's largest non-governmental, domestic hunger relief organization—Feeding America—the goal is to make food accessible to hungry people in their greatest times of need. League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has approximately 115,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. It is the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States. LULAC 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. The organization involves and serves all Hispanic nationality groups. For more information, go to www.lulac.org. Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer 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 service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 104,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 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. Visit www.tyson.com for more details. # # # |