Through its Hometown Strong initiative, JBS USA plans to donate $1.2 million to help Louisville respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and invest in the community's future.

JBS USA is working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs in three key areas: food insecurity, community infrastructure and well-being, which includes initiatives that improve social justice, and 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 [email protected].

"We are proud members of the Louisville community, and we want to step up and invest in projects that will have a lasting impact for our hometown during a challenging time," says Pete Charboneau, JBS Louisville general manager. "As we've collectively navigated the coronavirus pandemic, we have been focused on keeping our team members and our community safe. We believe the Hometown Strong initiative gives us the opportunity to do more than produce food, and we're grateful to partner with local leaders to determine how best to give back."

"We have always been so fortunate to have JBS in the Butchertown neighborhood," says Andy Blieden, president of the Butchertown Business Alliance. "They are a vital company to feeding our nation and one of the area's largest employers. This donation comes at a time when we need it most and sets the example for how great businesses operate."

The JBS USA Louisville pork production facility employs nearly 1,200 people with an annual payroll of more than $60 million. The facility supports more than 275 local producers, paying them more than $360 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, JBS USA Louisville has invested more than $64 million in capital improvements over the last six years.

Hometown Strong is a national $50 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic. Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind in the country.

Source: JBS USA, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.