The American Egg Board (AEB) and Tyson Foods have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) affirming their intent to partner in disaster relief efforts on an ongoing basis. The MoU sets forth a framework for cooperation in the delivery of aid and was signed by representatives from both organizations in a ceremony at the International Product & Processing Expo (IPPE).
“The American Egg Board, on behalf of America’s egg farmers, is committed to feeding Americans in times of crisis. With Tyson Foods and its phenomenal Meals that Matter® disaster relief program, we have a wonderful partner for distributing a portable and inexpensive nutritional powerhouse — the egg and egg products — to those in need of relief in disasters,” said Anne L. Alonzo, AEB President and CEO.
Throughout Tyson Foods’ history, the company’s team members have been quick to respond when disaster strikes in or near their communities. In 2012, the company unveiled a new tool for use in disaster response. As part of the Meals that Matter disaster relief program, the company outfitted a 53- foot-semi-trailer with refrigerated space to store up to 20,000 pounds of product and dry storage to transport supplies to set up a feeding site and support Tyson Foods cook teams.
The company’s disaster relief efforts include deployments in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri, and Moore, Oklahoma, as well as flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Houston.
“Our company purpose is to raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do,” said Debra Vernon, senior director, corporate social responsibility at Tyson Foods. “We’re grateful to have the American Egg Board assist our disaster relief efforts and aid in bringing our purpose to life.”
The MoU represents a formal extension of a partnership that started when the AEB teamed up with Tyson Foods during its Meals that Matter disaster relief deployment in September 2017 in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. At that time, AEB Chairman Jeff Hardin of Cal-Maine Foods personally oversaw AEB’s relief efforts from Tyson Foods’ cook site in Conroe, Texas.
“There’s a tremendous need for food in disasters like this, and egg farmers feed people,” Hardin said. “We were extremely impressed and inspired by Tyson Foods’ operations on the ground, and they were delighted to be able to include our eggs. Eggs and chicken are perfect proteins, and this is a perfect partnership opportunity.”
Source: Tyson Foods
