HUMBOLDT, TENN. — Tyson Foods Inc., announced it has begun construction on a new $3.5 million childcare facility at its Humboldt, Tenn., poultry processing plant.

The pilot project is scheduled to be operational by 2023 and support up to 100 children, five years of age or younger, and employ 18 people. Tyson Tykes will operate as an early childhood learning center by KinderCare and subsidized by the company to lower the cost for Tyson workers.

“This is an important day for our company and our team members in Humboldt,” said David Bray, group president of poultry with Tyson. “We constantly strive to be the most sought-after place to work and are achieving that goal by listening to and supporting our team members, ensuring they have the right tools to be successful.”

A recent study by Child Care Aware showed the national average annual cost for childcare was about $12,300 per child in 2020. That is a 214% increase since 1990. 

“As we’ve all learned during the past two years, working parents need access to early education and care for their children in order to fully participate in the workforce,” said Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare Education At Work. “That’s why we’re excited to work with forward-thinking employers like Tyson to provide affordable, high-quality childcare for their workers. Tyson recognizes the value and support childcare provides Humboldt employees. We can’t wait to open the doors to Tyson Tykes in 2023 and give Tyson families peace of mind knowing their children are learning and growing right next door.”

Tyson’s Humboldt poultry complex, which includes a processing plant, hatchery, and feed mill, currently has a staff of more than 1,235 people and is expected to eventually employ 1,500.

This was the second recent investment in childcare by Tyson.