July 1, 2020

 

JBS USA to invest US$4 Million in Nebraska, US, to support local communities

 

 

Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, food company JBS USA announced plans today to invest US$4 million in Nebraska, the United States, to help local communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and invest in the future.

 

The investment is part of a new, national US$50 million initiative called Hometown Strong that adds to commitments JBS USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic.

 

"The rural towns and communities where we live and work are the key to our success and Grand Island, Nebraska, is home to one of the centerpieces of American agriculture," said Tim Schellpeper, president of JBS USA Fed Beef, which includes the Grand Island fresh beef facility. "We are proud to work with local producers, local businesses and our community to deliver the highest quality beef to Nebraskans and the world."

 

"The coronavirus pandemic has created challenges for society that no one could have predicted," said Shannon Grassl, president of JBS USA Regional Beef, which includes the company's Omaha fresh beef facility. "The Hometown Strong initiative is one of the ways we are helping our communities respond to those challenges and build for the future."

 

JBS USA will partner with local officials and community leaders in Grand Island and Omaha to identify investment projects that strengthen these hometowns where the company's team members live and work.

 

"Nebraska's farmers, ranchers and food processors have helped keep grocery shelves stocked across America during the pandemic," said Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts.

 

JBS USA has a significant presence in the state of Nebraska, employing 4,300 people and paying local producers nearly US$2.5 billion each year to support two Nebraskan facilities, including fresh beef production facilities in Grand Island and Omaha. An important contributor to the Nebraska economy, JBS USA has an annual payroll in Nebraska of more than US$191 million, and contributed nearly US$34 million in taxes and more than US$84 million in capital investments over the last five years.

 

Nationally, the US$50 million investment -- one of the largest of its kind being made -- will include donations to alleviate food insecurity, strengthen long-term community infrastructure and well-being, and support COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts.

 

All funds will be committed by the end of the year.

 

JBS USA anchors dozens of rural communities, operates more than 60 meat, poultry and prepared foods plants and employs 62,000-plus people. The company has invested more than US$100 million to enhance safeguards for team members and nearly US$100 million to reward them with 'thank-you' bonuses and increased wages. This includes hiring more than 1,000 new team members to conduct additional, around-the-clock sanitation and cleaning services, and to provide education, training and enforcement of COVID-19 preventive measures.

 

- JBS USA