BRYAN, TEXAS — Following the continued devastation of the Smokehouse Creek Fire, Wayne-Sanderson Farms announced a donation of 20,000 lbs of fresh chicken and 500 cases of ice to help feed local communities and first responders.

“We are thinking of our neighbors in Texas and are glad to provide some support to those impacted by this devastating fire,” said Allen Laughlin, complex manager at Wayne-Sanderson’s processing facility in Bryan, Texas.

Company representatives delivered the donation to the Borger Salvation Army, which is working with local officials to provide relief to victims and emergency responders.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire has become the largest fire in Texas’ history, burning over a million acres and several towns along the Texas Panhandle.

Earlier, Cargill’s North American Protein business, which includes many large beef processing facilities near the fires, committed $100,000 to the Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Disaster Relief Fund. Cargill also partnered with customers Tractor Supply Co. and Stockman’s Feed Bunk to donate 220,000 lbs of feed — enough to fill five semi-truck trailers.

Several trade groups have also come around the communities affected by the fires, including The Beef Initiative, which recently announced the launch of the I Am Texas Slim Foundation.

The foundation is currently raising funds to address the effects of the Smokehouse Creek Fire, specifically the hay and water shortages impacting cattle.

“The world is watching,” said Texas Slim, founder of The Beef Initiative. “The way in which our industry pulls together to address this disaster and plan for the future, will have far-reaching impacts on the world’s food supply. We’re going to do our part to help mitigate global disruptions today, while shaping a regenerative landscape for tomorrow.”