SPRINGDALE, Ark., Jan. 23, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyson Foods, Inc. is partnering with Team Rubicon, a military veterans' group, to enhance disaster relief efforts in the United States. The collaboration will combine Team Rubicon's knowledge of logistics planning in the field with Tyson Foods' experience in providing food to victims and volunteers.
As part of the partnership, Tyson Foods will donate a 53 foot semi-trailer that will serve as Team Rubicon's command center during relief efforts. The truck will include sleeping quarters and office and storage space for Team Rubicon's staff and volunteers. Tyson Foods will mobilize the unit alongside the company's Meals that MatterTM mobile feeding unit, when appropriate, and will work collaboratively onsite to bring assistance to disaster victims and aid workers.
"We're in a lot of communities where we're responsible for making a difference," said Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson. "And then you look at these individuals who want to volunteer their time, they volunteered it in the military to protect us, and now they want to volunteer their time to help when there's a different type of disaster going on. It was simply a natural fit that came together."
"Command and control must be established quickly during disasters to ensure that the most pressing needs are met, and this trailer will be a valuable resource," said Jake Wood, cofounder and CEO of Team Rubicon. "We are extremely grateful for Tyson Foods' support of not only our mission, but the continued example they set by providing warm meals to communities in need."
Team Rubicon was established by Wood, and fellow former Marine William McNulty, following the Haiti Earthquake in 2010. What sets the non-profit organization apart from other relief organizations is that it combines the skills and experiences of veterans with those of first responders. Beyond helping disaster survivors, their work helps veterans reintegrate through continued service.
Four years after the quake, Team Rubicon has grown from eight to 14,000 members—most of whom are military veterans. Team Rubicon has 51 missions under its belt now, including Superstorm Sandy, Oklahoma Tornadoes, Colorado Floods, and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Team Rubicon was recognized at the Clinton Global Initiative for their accomplishments during Hurricane Sandy.
Tyson Foods first launched its Meals that MatterTM unit during Hurricane Sandy. Last year it was deployed to Moore, Oklahoma for three weeks and served more than 80,000 meals in the aftermath of the devastating tornado.
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About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to be involved with son Don Tyson leading the company for many years and grandson John H. Tyson serving as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. The company provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
About Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon (TR) unites the skills and experience of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. TR offers veterans a chance to continue their service by helping and empowering those afflicted by disasters, and also themselves. For more about Team Rubicon, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.
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