Fight Against Hunger in Kansas City Supported by Lift Up America, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tyson Foods

On November 1, 2016, in Kansas City, Missouri, Lift Up America joined forces with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyson Foods, Inc. to address a significant problem in Kansas City - hunger. Kansas City Chiefs linebackers were present on Tuesday to assist in unloading and distributing the 30,000 pounds of protein donated by Tyson Foods. The food was distributed by Harvesters–The Community Food Network to over 60 agencies across the Kansas City region. The distribution event, which began at noon at Arrowhead Stadium, included a press conference with speakers such as Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. For the past 13 years, Lift Up America has collaborated with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyson Foods to distribute food to agencies in the Kansas City region. Clark Hunt expressed his joy that the Lift Up America food distribution has become a tradition for the Kansas City Chiefs over the past decade. He mentioned that he and the players have enjoyed participating in it every year, knowing that the food will reach those in need. Lift Up America collaborates with corporations, colleges, professional sports teams, and nonprofit organizations to assist communities in times of need. The Kansas City Chiefs were the first professional sports team to offer help. Eric Hannah, president of Lift Up America, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyson Foods to support Harvesters–The Community Food Network. He hopes that their efforts in combating hunger will inspire the younger generation to become Ambassadors of Compassion. The demand for food assistance is higher today than ever before. Nearly 375,000 people are food insecure in Harvesters’ 26-county service area. As the regional Feeding America food bank, Harvesters provides food and household products to over 620 not-for-profit agencies, serving 141,500 people every month. Valerie Nicholson-Watson, Harvesters’ president and CEO, emphasized the importance of the protein donation to Harvesters and the clients they serve. She mentioned that protein is often expensive and difficult for families to access, but it is essential for a healthy diet. Harvesters is dedicated to providing the healthiest food possible, and this donation helps them meet the need of feeding one in seven people in their community. Last year, Harvesters distributed over 43 million pounds of food and household products, providing over 37 million meals. Due to the slow economic recovery and continued high unemployment, the number of people seeking help from Harvesters’ network remains high. For the past 13 years, Tyson Foods has supported Lift Up America in providing food in over 20 cities to alleviate domestic hunger in the United States. Since 2000, Tyson Foods has donated over 100 million pounds of protein in the United States. Matt Pakula, Tyson Foods’ senior manager of corporate social responsibility, expressed their desire to make a difference in the lives of people struggling with food insecurity. Tyson Foods has committed $50 million in cash or in-kind donations over the next five years in the fight against hunger. Tyson Foods, Inc., Lift Up America, the Kansas City Chiefs, and Harvesters – The Community Food Network are all committed to addressing hunger and food insecurity in their communities. They continue to work together to provide food assistance to those in need. For media inquiries, please contact Derek Burleson, Public Relations Manager, Corporate Affairs, Tyson Foods, Inc. at 479-290-6466 or derek.burleson@tyson.com.