AUSTIN, MINN. – Hormel Foods Corp. celebrated on May 7 the official opening of Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy, the company’s new child care center in Austin. The facility spans 13,000 square feet and cost Hormel $5 million to build.

The center will be operated in partnership with Bright Horizons, the country’s largest provider of employer-sponsored childcare, Hormel said. The center will serve up to 130 children, aged six months to school age. The center will feature Bright Horizons’ Discovery Driven Learning approach “to inspire curiosity, health and safety policies backed by experts, as well as educator-created curriculum to support school readiness.”

“Bright Horizons is proud to partner with Hormel Foods to provide a high-quality child care center for their team members,” said Bryson McCargar, center director, Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy. “We’re excited to be a part of the first stage of learning for their team members’ children here at the center. All of our programs are geared to ensure children have the language, math, science and social skills they need for elementary school, and we’re also able to help parents incorporate learning experiences in their children’s home life as well.”

Hormel said offering child care is a needed service for current employees and a recruiting tool to attract working parents in today’s tight labor market.

“At Hormel Foods, we are always striving to ensure Austin and the surrounding areas are a prime destination for top talent,” said Angie Bissen, human resources manager for Hormel Foods. “One of the main insights gathered from our research and from other employers in the area is the critical importance of accessible child care options. The Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy is one of the many contributors to vibrant economic development in our community.”