Tyson Foods Inc.*

Although Tyson Foods' philanthropy may be particularly evident on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the company's giving is felt in communities around the nation.
Philanthropy is a core principle of the company, said Archie Schaffer, Tyson's executive VP of corporate affairs. "It is the belief of the leadership of the Tyson family and our company, and has been for years, that you need to give back to the communities where you operate and where you have people employed who contribute to the success of the company," Schaffer said.
One of Tyson's biggest gifts went toward the UA's Campaign for the 21st Century. In 2005, a $12.5 million donation from the Tyson Foods Foundation, the charitable arm of the company, put the campaign over its $1 billion goal. Other examples of giving by Tyson Foods and its foundation include $1 million from Tyson Foods to the UA Press and $2.5 million from the Tyson Foods Foundation and Tyson Family Foundation for a new child development center at the UA.
Nationally, the company's main emphasis is on hunger relief. It annually contributes more than 8 million pounds of food, valued at $12 million to $14 million, to hunger and disaster relief and to the communities in which it operates. Since 2000, Tyson Foods has partnered with organizations like Feeding America and Share Our Strength, and the company has given more than 77 million pounds of chicken, beef or pork to hundreds of food banks, food pantries and other hunger-fighting agencies throughout the country.
In addition, Tyson Foods encourages its employees to give to their communities by holding an annual volunteer fair at the corporate office.
However, Schaffer noted, "Arkansas is our home state, and while we're involved in philanthropy in all the states where we operate, the biggest focus is Arkansas, where about 20 to 25 percent of our team members live and work."

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