While the challenges of today have created roadblocks for some, there are companies driving ahead to promote success throughout their communities. Perdue Farms is one of those companies, having delivered more than 1.5 million pounds of protein to food banks and hunger-relief efforts, exceeding its commitment to donate a minimum of one million pounds of protein to support communities where it conducts business—all in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Randy Day, Chief Executive Officer, Perdue Farms"Every day, our neighbors within our communities and throughout the U.S. are relying more on their local food banks and pantries to put a meal on the table for their families amid the pandemic," said Randy Day, CEO of Perdue Farms. "As a food company, we have the resources and a responsibility to help those struggling with food insecurity, especially during an unprecedented time like this. It's the right thing to do."

Accounting for approximately six million servings, the effort is part of Perdue's "Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors" hunger-relief initiative, according to a press release.

Perdue Farms delivered more than 1.5 million pounds of protein to food banks and hunger-relief efforts, exceeding its commitment of 1 million pounds

This wonderful gift from Perdue was donated to Feeding America^®-affiliated food banks serving its communities which include those in California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. The company has additionally acted on its initiative by directing product donations to help frontline healthcare workers and first responders and support community-based hunger-relief programs.

Jamie Sizemore, Executive Director, Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland"The Perdue donation was received at the right time. Many individuals and families who are in need, and possibly food insecure, often cannot afford to purchase chicken and other protein items on their own," said Jamie Sizemore, Executive Director of Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland. "Perdue has helped us to meet these needs and distribute good, nutritious protein across our service area."

The work of today’s most charitable companies is never done, and so they strive on in partnership with those organizations on the frontlines.

Linda Scheid, Executive Director, Food Bank of Siouxland"Our community has experienced a tremendous increase in Siouxlanders becoming food insecure and needing to rely on the safety net system," said Linda Scheid, Executive Director of the Food Bank of the Siouxland in Sioux City, Iowa. "Protein is always a product in high demand, so donations like these are incredibly important and valuable. Only with great support from donors, both financial supporters and food donors, such as Perdue, have we been able to provide the food that is so critical for us all."

Some of the most recent donations are supporting:

• Central Texas Food Bank
• Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland
• Feed More (Virginia)
• Food Bank of Delaware
• Food Bank of the Siouxland (Iowa)
• Maryland Food Bank
• Northern Illinois Food Bank

There is much still yet to be done, and with companies like Perdue Farms raising the bar across much-needed assistance, Deli Market News has hope that the industry will succeed together.