Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $475,000 in Douglas to support the community’s future and help respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Pilgrim’s is working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs in three key areas: 1) food insecurity, 2) community infrastructure and well-being, and 3) 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.
The company has already committed to partnering with the City of Douglas to build a new water tower for the community, which will serve residents, the school system and the Pilgrim’s facility. This project not only supports infrastructure for the Douglas community but is also aligned with Pilgrim’s commitment to continuous improvement around water use and water quality.
“As the largest employer in Douglas, we are humbled to partner with our community in such a meaningful way,” said Mark Dean, Douglas Complex Manager. “These past few months have been challenging for everyone, and we believe that if we continue working together we’ll come out of this stronger than we started.”
“The opportunity and the journey to make the City of Douglas and Coffee County a safe, healthy and forward-thinking community takes the entire community,” said Douglas Mayor Tony L. Paulk. “Our community is fortunate to have Pilgrim’s visionary leadership team launching the Hometown Strong initiative to promote community involvement. Pilgrim’s impact on our community is greatly appreciated by our citizens.”
The Pilgrim’s Douglas production facility:
Employs nearly 1,000 people with an annual payroll of more than $31 million.
The facility supports 150 growers, paying them more than $32 million per year for their livestock.
Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Douglas has invested more than $15 million in capital improvements over the last six years.
“We look forward to working with Pilgrim’s on this initiative and future initiatives,” Mayor Paulk added. “Our local Pilgrim’s leadership team are advocates for our community. We are grateful to Pilgrim’s for their new Hometown Strong initiative, and on behalf of the citizens of our community, thank you!”
Pilgrim’s anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 30 meat poultry and prepared foods plants 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.