Perdue has committed a minimum of one million pounds of protein to support relief efforts in Houston and surrounding communities in southeastern Texas following historic flooding from Hurricane Harvey.
Perdue is based in Salisbury, MD and has processing and other operations in Delaware.
Donated protein will be directed to local Feeding America-affiliated food banks and the Houston Independent School District.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those people affected by this developing tragedy,” said Steve Evans, president of Perdue Foods. “The images of suffering are heartbreaking and we’re compelled to do our part to help. We hope that our donation will provide some level of comfort to those impacted. We know the recovery process will be long and difficult for many, and Perdue will continue to look for ways to assist.”
About half of the protein donation will be distributed to food banks in the Houston area, and Victoria and San Antonio. Rescue efforts are also under way for pets and animals, and Perdue has donated nearly 68,000 pounds of its Spot Farms brand dehydrated dog food to Feeding America.
In addition, the Houston Independent School District will receive 500,000 pounds of protein to assist feed victims and first responders through a network of nine feeding center in surrounding communities.
School district nutrition officer Betti Wiggins says, “So many people – our students and their families, employees, and the community at-large – have lost so much. They’re worried about basic things, like shelter and how to start the rebuilding process. The donation from Perdue Farms will help us to feed them good, nutritious food and that will be one less thing for them to worry about.”
Perdue, which once once focused on chicken productions in the eastern U.S. is now a nationwide company that owns organic and niche brands like California-based Niman Ranch. Niman Ranch pork and beef is served in fine restaurants.
