GREELEY, COLO. – JBS USA announced on Jan. 4 that it reached $100 million in its Hometown Strong initiative. 

The meat producer started the program in May 2020 and said it worked with community leaders and officials to identify investments in rural areas where the company operates. 

“The JBS USA Hometown Strong program demonstrates our commitment to improving our communities in a lasting way,” said Tim Schellpeper, JBS USA’s chief executive officer. “From education and recreation to healthcare and social services, we have been partnering with our local communities to invest in a variety of projects – all with the goal of strengthening the places where our team members live and work.”  

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, JBS made a $50 million commitment. During that time, more than $43 million has been invested into 200 projects in 42 communities across 25 US states and Alberta, Canada. 

Following the preliminary financing, the meat producer made $10 million of in-kind donations of meat and poultry products to food banks around the United States. In June 2021, JBS announced investing $20 million to create affordable housing opportunities for local rural communities.

JBS has sponsored or completed some of the projects including an early childhood education building in Grand Island, Neb. The company invested $400,000 to convert a vacated 47,300-square-foot store near the city center into ten classrooms, sensory rooms and learning spaces, a STEAM room, and an outdoor playground for 300 children.

In Green Bay, Wis., a $500,000 donation, plus the purchase of 25.5 acres will help build a park space, community garden, outdoor gathering space and housing for local families.

Next, the company said it was the primary donor for an indoor sports complex in Ottumwa, Iowa. The $1 million donation will provide year-round activity for people in the community.

The final example was given by Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a JBS subsidiary to Gainesville, Ga. The $795,000 investment was put into completing the Highlands to Islands (H2i) Trail, a multi-use path that will connect several cities within Hall County, including Gainesville, Oakwood and Flowery Branch.